Legislation update - May 2023

TfN – Strategic Transport Plan 

Transport for the North’s second Strategic Transport Plan (STP) sets the vision, strategic ambitions and the North’s long term strategic transport priorities up to 2050, creating a consistent framework for their work with government, local transport bodies and delivery bodies. Released 25/05/2023 - closes 17/08/2023. 

Consultations which closed in May 

MAC - Shortage Occupation List: call for evidence 2023 

The MAC wanted to hear organisations' views on the roles that are being filled by migrant workers, the salaries they are paid and implications of potential changes. Released 27/02/2023 - closed 26/05/2023. 

DfT - A zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate and CO2 emissions regulation for new cars and vans in the UK 

Sought views on the final design of the UK’s ZEV mandate and CO2 emissions regulation for new cars and vans. Released 30/03/2023 - closed 24/05/2023. 

DfI - Road Safety Strategy - Review of Key Performance Indicators 

Sought views on the Key Performance Indicators as part of the road safety strategy. Released 05/04/2023 – Closed 17/05/2023. 

Multi-department - Increasing the weight limit for fuel tankers 

Sought views on a proposal to temporarily increase the weight of fuel tankers. Released 05/04/2023 – Closed 17/05/2023. 

HoCTC - National Networks National Policy Statement 
 
The House of Commons Transport Committee launched an inquiry into the draft revised National Networks National Policy Statement (NNNPS). Released 24/03/2023 – Closed 15/05/2023. 

DfT - Minimum service levels for passenger rail during strike action 

This consultation looked at implementing minimum service levels for passenger rail services during periods of strike action. Released 20/02/2023 – Closed 15/05/2023. 

DfT - Improving signage at private level crossings: revised sign designs 

This consultation proposed a revised suite of signs for private level crossings on the railway to improve safety. Released 05/04/2023 – Closed 10/05/2023. 

DfT - Night-time noise abatement objectives for the designated airports 

This consultation sought views and evidence on what a night-time noise abatement objective should be for the noise designated airports (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted) from October 2025. Released 27/03/2023 – Closed 09/05/2023. 

Scottish Government - Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan consultation 

Sought views on the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan. Released 10/01/2023 – Closed 09/05/2023. 

DfT - 2040 zero emissions airport target 

Call for evidence to design a policy for zero emissions airports in England. Released 07/02/2023 – closed 05/05/2023. 

DfT – Ukraine driving licence exchange 

A proposal to extend the period that you can drive a car in Great Britain using a Ukrainian driving licence. Released 04/04/2023 – closed 02/05/2023. 

Announcements, May 2023 

31/05/2023 - OZEV - Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 regulatory report 2022 

Progress report on what the government has achieved in the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 

30/05/2023 - DVSA - Preparing for the safe roll out of longer semi-trailers on 31 May 

Longer semi-trailers (LSTs) will be introduced to Great Britain’s roads from the end of May. 

30/05/2023 - DfT - Longer semi-trailer (LST) implementation guide for operators 

Helping current or potential new operators safely use longer-semi trailers. 

30/05/2023 - DfT - Measurement of emissions from brake and tyre wear 

A research report on developing prototypes to measure brake and tyre wear emissions from road vehicles in real driving conditions. 

26/05/2023 - OTC - Statement on Local Bus Service Registration in England and Wales - May 2023 

A statement from the traffic commissioners regarding applications to cancel or vary local bus service registrations at shorter notice than the 42 days statutory period for England and 56 days period for Wales. 

24/05/2023 - DfT - Reported road casualties Great Britain, provisional results: 2022 

Personal injury collision statistics on public roads in Great Britain for 2022. 

23/05/2023 - DfT - Road goods vehicles travelling to Europe: April 2022 to March 2023 

Number of powered vehicles and unaccompanied trailers carried on each route to Europe for April 2022 to March 2023. 

22/05/2023 - DfT - Bus service improvement plans: local transport authority allocations 

Funding allocations for local authorities in England (outside London) to provide bus service improvements. 

19/05/2023 - DfT - General aviation handbook 

An overview of general aviation activity and its wider economic, cultural, environmental and social value. 

17/05/2023 – DfT - Longer semi-trailer trial evaluation: annual report 2021 

Summary of research and findings from year 9 of the longer semi-trailer (LST) trial evaluation. 

17/05/2023 – DfT - Government extends £2 bus fare cap and protects vital services 

Additional funding will help passengers save money on fares and support vulnerable bus routes. 

15/05/2023 – DBT - Schedule of retained EU law 

Schedule of retained EU Law that will be revoked or sunset by 31 December 2023. 

10/05/2023 – DfT - UK economy boosted by £1.4 billion as longer lorries roll out on roads 

Legislation change allowing longer lorries and longer semi-trailers on roads will save 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the air. 

05/05/2023 – DfT - National Highways Chair moves on as fixed term comes to an end 

Dipesh Shah, who helped oversee the second road investment strategy, will step down from his role at the end of the year. 

05/05/2023 - DVSA - Updating the IVA inspection manual for light goods vehicles 

From 22 May 2023, some changes will take effect in the inspection manual for light goods vehicles (N1 manual). There will also be minor updates to the inspection manual for passenger vehicles (M1 manual).