Legislation update – March 2023

DfT – RVAR exemption: Glasgow Subway Stadler electric multiple units 

Public consultation for exemption request in respect of Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR). Released 06/02/2023 – closes 06/03/2023. 

DfT – 2040 zero emissions airport target 

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

London Assembly – London Assembly investigation into road user charging 

The London Assembly Transport Committee has launched an investigation into the future of smart road user charging in London. It will consider the practical issues around the potential introduction of smarter road user charging in London. Released 09/02/2023 – closes 10/03/2023. 

TfL – Making London's lorries safer -- proposals for changes to the HGV Safety Permit Scheme 

TfL is reviewing how it can further reduce the risk heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes pose to vulnerable road users such as people walking and cycling. Released 14/02/2023 – closes 03/04/2023. 

DfT – Minimum service levels for passenger rail during strike action 

A consultation on implementing minimum service levels for passenger rail during periods of strike action. Released 20/02/2023 – closes 15/05/2023. 

CONSULTATIONS WHICH CLOSED IN FEBRUARY

ORR – PR23 financial framework consultation  

This consultation sought views about the financial framework for Network Rail in CP7. Released 19/12/2022 – closed 24/02/2023. 

Bath and North East Somerset Council – Class N3 Euro 6 diesel HGV charge consultation 

Bath and NE Somerset Council sought opinions about our proposals to introduce a charge for Class N3 Euro 6 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) entering the charging zone in Bath. They have also included proposals for a two-year exemption from the charge, if you are an eligible local business or HGV operator. Released 13/12/2022 – closed 07/02/2023. 

Transport Select Committee – Our Future Transport 

The Transport Committee wanted to hear your proposals on what the Committee should investigate for its next in-depth inquiry. They want to work with people or organisations who know which innovations deserve attention, and what the impact of new and disruptive trends and technologies might be across all modes of transport in the future. Released 17/01/2023 – closed 06/02/2023. 

Transport Select Committee – Transport Select Committee Call for Evidence into Strategic Road Investment in England 

Call for evidence following National Audit Office (NAO) report published in November 2022 on progress in delivery and management of the Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2), which runs from 2020 to 2025. The NAO’s report said that the Department for Transport and National Highways could have done more to manage the potential risks to the portfolio of enhancement works in RIS2 which has led to less work being completed, at a higher cost than planned. Planning is underway for Road Investment Strategy 3, which will run from 2025 to 2030. Released 20/12/2022 – closed 06/02/2023. 

HMT – Spring Budget 2023 representations 

Guidance for submitting Spring Budget 2023 representations to the Treasury. Released 19/12/2022 – closed 01/02/2023. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, FEBRUARY 2023 

28/02/2023 – DVSA – Knowing what records to keep when you've not been driving 

In September 2022, the Department for Transport (DfT) issued additional guidance on how bus, coach and HGV drivers should record the hours they spend on ‘other work’. This sets out what needs to be recorded.   

27/02/2023 – PMO – The Windsor Framework - sector explainer 

The agreement in principle reached by the UK and EU regarding the Windsor Framework. 

27/02/2023 – PMO – Windsor Framework unveiled to fix problems of the Northern Ireland Protocol 

The Windsor Framework, agreed by the Prime Minister and European Commission President, replaces the old Northern Ireland Protocol, providing a new legal and UK constitutional framework. 

27/02/2023 – DVSA – DVSA services: Update on industrial action 

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union has announced that its members will take part in discontinuous strike action during March. 

22/02/2023 – DVSA – Tackling driving test fraud 

To help tackle practical driving test fraud, driving examiners will now be able to see a high resolution image of a candidate’s provisional licence image on their tablets at the start of a test. 

21/02/2023 – DVSA – Operators and ‘HIAB’-type cranes on lorries – know your responsibilities 

This blog post should help operators better understand the circumstances around transporting cargo with HIAB cranes attached. 

21/02/2023 – Multi Department – £56 million of public and industry funding electrifies chargepoint plans across the country 

New LEVI capability funding also announced to help local authorities plan for new chargepoint infrastructure. 

20/02/2023 – DfT – Launch of the minimum service level consultation for rail 

Announcing a consultation on setting minimum service levels for passenger rail. 

20/02/2023 – DfT – Rail strikes: understanding the impact on passengers 

This report presents findings from a survey investigating the impacts of strike action in 2022 on rail passengers in England. 

20/02/2023 – DfT – Bus funding update 

£155 million additional funding to extend the Bus Recovery Grant and the £2 Bus Fare Cap until 30 June 2023. 

17/02/2023 – DfT – £2 bus fare cap to be extended and bus services protected with new funding 

£2 bus fare cap to be extended and bus services protected with new funding. 

17/02/2023 – DfT – Clean Maritime Research Hub competition 

Research match-funding to establish a Clean Maritime Research Hub to address the early research challenges in clean maritime. 

17/02/2023 – DVSA – Update: Seatbelt buckle guards 

DVSA wants to work with industry to develop a solution to support the safe transport of PSV users: it has no plans to target enforcement action against their use. 

17/02/2023 – DVSA – Updated theory test kit app launched 

DVSA’s official publisher, The Stationery Office (TSO), is launching an updated version of the theory test kit app. 

15/02/2023 – DfT – Green maritime tech of the future to become reality thanks to £60 million boost 

Regions across the UK to benefit from government funding to develop clean maritime technology. 

14/02/2023 – DVSA – Changes to MOT calibration requirements 

From 1 April 2023, DVSA will be changing the requirements for the calibration of some testing equipment. 

13/02/2023 – OTC – A Guide to Instructing Transport Consultants 

Guidance for operators on selecting an effective transport consultant to provide services for operator's licences. 

09/02/2023 – OTC – Statement on Local Bus Service Registration in England and Wales - February 2023 

The Traffic Commissioners have issued the following statement to set out their approach to local bus service registrations whilst discussions are ongoing within government on arrangements for future funding. 

09/02/2023 – DVSA – Seatbelt buckle guards 

To avoid disruption to your operations, do not use buckle guards. Not only do they pose a significant safety risk, but if examiners encounter these at the roadside, you will face enforcement action. 

09/02/2023 – DfT – New Chair appointed to deliver HS2 and drive forward growth across the North and Midlands 

Sir Jonathan Thompson appointed as Chair of HS2 Ltd. 

09/02/2023 – DfT – Renewable fuel statistics 2022: Third provisional report 

Supply of renewable fuels for January to December 2022. 

09/02/2023 – DfT – World’s first hydrogen-powered digger set to drive on UK roads 

The first digger powered by a hydrogen combustion engine will soon be on UK roads and building sites. 

08/02/2023 – DfT – UK international sea passengers: December 2022 

Monthly statistics on UK international and domestic sea passengers. 

07/02/2023 – Multi Department – Over £110 million to unlock zero emission guilt-free flights 

Cutting-edge new technologies that could enable electric flying taxis and hydrogen-powered aircraft to take to the skies will be developed in the UK. 

06/02/2023 – Multi Department – £200 million to improve walking and cycling routes and boost local economies 

New fund to help local authorities make improvements that enable more people to choose active travel. 

06/02/2023 – DfT – Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition 

Research and development match-funding to support the design and development of near-commercial clean maritime solutions. 

06/02/2023 – Multi Department – Major milestone in UK’s race to net zero maritime with £77 million boost 

A multi-million-pound Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition launched to help decarbonise the UK's maritime sector. 

02/02/2023 – DfT – UK and Welsh governments to explore new rail links between south Wales and England 

A study has been announced that will develop options for new stations and services on the South Wales Main Line. 

02/02/2023 – DfT – New research hub to help tackle decarbonisation and improve transport resilience 

Government pledges £10 million to support innovation in transport decarbonisation. 

01/02/2023 – CCAV – UK Government backing helps launch world first self-driving bus 

Passengers will be boarding the world’s first fully sized, self-driving bus service in Edinburgh from the spring, after it was awarded a share of £81 million in joint UK government and industry support for self-driving transport technology. 

*www.logistics.org.uk/mac