Legislation update – December 2021

Scottish Government – Scottish Landfill Tax: further clarity and certainty 

This consultation is intended to gather views from landfill operators, waste managers, waste and resource sector companies, local authorities and other interested stakeholders on the proposed legislative amendment. Released 25/11/2021 – closes 31/12/2021. 

Department for Infrastructure – The Department for Infrastructure has opened a consultation on making careless driving a fixed penalty notice offence 

The Department for Infrastructure has opened a consultation on making careless driving a fixed penalty notice offence. Released 23/11/2021 – closes 18/01/2022. 

Competition and Markets Authority – Proposed commitments in respect of long-term exclusive arrangements for the supply of electric vehicle chargepoints on or near motorways 

The CMA is inviting representations from interested third parties on commitments offered by Gridserve Holdings Limited, MOTO Holdings Limited, Roadchef Limited and Extra MSA Property (UK) Limited, (the Parties) to address the CMA’s competition concerns in the context of an investigation under the Competition Act 1998. Released 17/11/2021 – closes 02/12/2021. 

South East of Scotland Transport Partnership – SEStran 2035 – Draft Regional Transport Strategy 

It is essential that the RTS addresses the transport problems and issues being experienced in the SEStran area. The purpose of this Draft RTS is to set out these challenges and how SEStran proposes to respond to them and to provide an opportunity for consultation and engagement prior to finalising the strategy. Released 16/11/2021 – closes 11/02/2022. 

Department for Infrastructure – Consultation on the Proposed Content of the new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030 

The Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) has opened a consultation seeking views on the proposed content of the new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030. Released 15/11/2021 – closes 10/01/2022. 

DAERA – Environment Strategy Consultation  

The Environment Strategy is intended to be an overarching document setting out Northern Ireland’s environmental priorities for the coming decades and will form part of the Green Growth agenda (the Green Growth Strategy will provide more detail on actions in respect of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions). Released 11/11/2021 – closes 18/01/2022. 

National Highways – A12 Chelmsford to A120 widening scheme 

Following on from the Statutory Consultation held this summer, National Highways has looked at the feedback and made some further changes to the proposals. Released 09/11/2021 – closes 19/12/2021. 

Multi Department – Amending the Road Traffic Act 1988 to allow registered healthcare professionals to complete DVLA medical questionnaires 

This consultation seeks your views on changing the Road Traffic Act 1988, as amended, to enable healthcare professionals other than registered medical practitioners (doctors with full General Medical Council (GMC) registration) to complete DVLA medical questionnaires. Released 08/11/2021 – closes 06/12/2021. 

HMRC – Technical consultation on Plastic Packaging Tax (General) Regulations 2021 

HMRC welcomes views on the technical application of these regulations ahead of the introduction of Plastic Packaging Tax from 1 April 2022. Released 04/11/2021 – closes 01/12/2021. 

Transport Scotland – Scotland's National Transport Strategy Impact Assessments 

Transport Scotland has opened a consultation seeking views on Scotland's National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2), which sets out the vision for Scotland's transport system to the year 2040. Released 03/11/2021 – closes 05/01/2022. 

National Highways – M1/M62 Lofthouse Interchange Public Consultation 

National Highways has opened a consultation seeking views on their proposals to improve the M1/M62 Lofthouse Interchange, to tackle problems with the current junction and to make sure it's fit for the future. Released 01/11/2021 – closes 10/12/2021. 

Consultations which closed in November 

National Highways – A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Design Consultation September 2021 

This project represented one of the largest and most important highways investments in the north of England in a generation. The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), by the UK Government under the Planning Act 2008. As such, National Highways is required to make an application for a Development Consent Order to obtain permission to construct and operate the new A66. Released 24/09/2021 – closed 06/11/2021. 

Scottish Government – Scotland's supply chain 

The Economy and Fair Work Committee investigated Scotland's supply chain. The Committee was keen to hear from businesses and industry, and wanted to understand what changes could protect Scotland's supply chain. It wanted to hear what opportunities may or may not exist to develop a domestic supply chain. Released 12/10/2021 – closed 09/11/2021. 

Welsh Parliament – HGV Driver Shortage and Supply Chain Issues 

The Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee gathered views on the HGV Driver Shortage and Supply Chain Issues. Released 29/10/2021 – closed 22/11/2021. 

Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles – Future of transport regulatory review: regulatory sandboxes 

A regulatory sandbox is a defined space where new business models, technologies and policies can be deployed and used in a way that is safe and responsible. CCAV sought views on specific roles and responsibilities within a sandbox and further views on how relationships within a sandbox should be managed. Released 28/09/2021 – closed 22/11/2021. 

OZEV – Future of transport regulatory review: zero emission vehicles 

The Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) sought views on new primary legislation that would give the government powers to introduce requirements in four areas. A statutory obligation to plan for and provide charging infrastructure, requirements to install chargepoints in non-residential car parks, new powers to support the delivery of the Rapid Charging Fund and requirements to improve the experience for electric vehicle consumers. Released 28/09/2021 – closed 22/11/2021. 

DfT – Future of transport regulatory review: maritime autonomy and remote operations 

Sought views on areas of maritime autonomy regulation that are outdated, a barrier to innovation or not designed with new technologies and business models in mind. Released 28/09/2021 – closed 22/11/2021. 

DfT – Future of transport regulatory review: modernising vehicle standards 

Sought views on areas of vehicle standards regulation that are outdated, a barrier to innovation or not designed with new technologies and business models in mind. Released 28/09/2021 – closed 22/11/2021. 

DfT – Future of transport regulatory review: future of flight 

Sought views on areas of flight regulation that are outdated, a barrier to innovation or not designed with new technologies and business models in mind. Released 28/09/2021 – closed 22/11/2021. 

Network Rail – Ely area capacity enhancement 

Following a successful public consultation round in spring 2021 which saw 76% support respectively for the principle of increasing rail capacity through Ely, Network Rail invited the public to comment on the proposals and options under consideration for Ely North junction and level crossings across the wider Ely area. Released 18/10/2021 – closed 28/11/2021.  

Announcements, November 2021 

30/11/2021 – DfT – Our governance  

Decision-making, executive and managerial bodies in the Department for Transport (DfT). 

30/11/2021 – DfT – Vehicle excise duty evasion statistics: 2021 

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED, or vehicle tax) evasion among vehicles seen on UK roads, and the associated potential revenue loss in 2021. 

29/11/2021 – DIT – UK Tradeshow Programme 

The UK Tradeshow Programme offers government support to help UK businesses successfully attend or exhibit at overseas trade shows. 

26/11/2021 – HMT – Minutes of the Trade Specialised Committee on Customs Cooperation and Rules of Origin: 7 October 2021 

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and EU established working-level Specialised Committees to monitor the implementation of the TCA. The Trade Specialised Committee on Customs Cooperation and Rules of Origin met for the first time on 7 October 2021. 

26/11/2021 – Multi Department – Scottish Government invited to work with UK Government to deliver ambitious transport improvements 

Prime Minister underlines commitment to stronger transport connections between Scotland and the rest of the UK as the UK Government publishes Sir Peter Hendy’s independent Union Connectivity Review. 

26/11/2021 – DfT – Fixed transport link between Great Britain and Northern Ireland: technical feasibility 

Assesses the feasibility of a fixed link between Northern Ireland and Great Britain as part of the Union Connectivity Review. 

26/11/2021 – DfT – UK government publishes Union Connectivity Review: proposed transport investments for stronger and better-connected United Kingdom 

Better connections on local and national transport networks to bring all UK communities within closer reach of social and economic opportunities. 

26/11/2021 – DfT – Union Connectivity Review: Final Report 

Report making recommendations to improve transport connectivity and enhance quality of life and economic opportunities across the UK is published. 

25/11/2021 – DfT – Reported road casualties in Great Britain, provisional estimates: year ending June 2021 

Personal injury accident and casualty statistics on public roads in Great Britain for the year ending June 2021. 

25/11/2021 – DfT – Reported road casualties Great Britain: motorcyclist factsheet 2020 

A summary of statistics on motorcyclist casualties in reported road accidents in Great Britain with data up to 2020. 

25/11/2021 – DIT – Board of Trade report: digital trade 

This third report by the Board of Trade sets out the importance of digital trade and shows the potential for the UK to be a global leader in this area. 

24/11/2021 – OZEV – Workplace Charging Scheme: guidance for applicants 

What the Workplace Charging Scheme is, eligibility criteria for applicant organisations and how to apply. 

23/11/2021 – Multi Department – Draft legislation: The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2021 

A new draft statutory instrument, meaning that car drivers will not need to take another test to tow a trailer or caravan, is being laid in Parliament. 

22/11/2021 – ONS – The impacts of EU exit and coronavirus (COVID-19) on UK trade in services: November 2021 

An analysis of UK trade in services in the context of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the end of the EU transition period on 31 December 2020. 

22/11/2021 – BEIS – Glasgow to be home to first-of-a-kind hydrogen storage project 

A trailblazing hydrogen storage project near Glasgow has been backed by nearly £10 million in UK Government funding. 

19/11/2021 – DfT – Research on the use of mobile phones while driving 

Research to support legal and advisory measures to discourage mobile phone use while driving. 

19/11/2021 – DfT – Any use of hand-held mobile phone while driving to become illegal 

Prosecution regulations tightened on the use of hand-held mobile phones at the wheel. 

18/11/2021 – DfT – Freight train capacity doubles to Port of Liverpool thanks to £8.3 million line upgrade 

Final works on the Bootle branch rail line upgrade have been completed. 

18/11/2021 – DfT – Integrated Rail Plan for the North and the Midlands 

The government’s plan for delivering and sequencing major rail investment in the North and Midlands. 

18/11/2021 – CO – The Border Operating Model – Update: A guide to how the border works with the European Union 

18/11/2021 – DfT – Road goods vehicles travelling to Europe: October 2020 to September 2021 

Number of powered vehicles and unaccompanied trailers carried on each route to Europe for October 2020 to September 2021. 

17/11/2021 – DVSA - Operators who have committed drivers’ hours offences in Great Britain 

Annual figures for the number of drivers’ hours offences committed by operators in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). 

17/11/2021 – DIT – Large business export barriers, support needs and the role of DIT 

Results from a qualitative research project undertaken to inform the development of the department’s export strategy. 

17/11/2021 – DIT – Export strategy: building an analytical framework 

An analytical paper on the economic rationale and evidence to support DIT’s export plan. 

17/11/2021 – DIT – Export strategy: Made in the UK, Sold to the World 

A strategy setting out how the government will support businesses to respond to export opportunities around the world. 

17/11/2021 – HMRC – Map of Teesside Freeport customs site 

This map shows the Freeport customs site within Teesside Freeport. 

16/11/2021 – DIT – Made in the UK, Sold to the World: New strategy to boost exports to £1 trillion 

The new export strategy kickstarts ‘Race to a Trillion’ as DIT publishes 12-point plan to help UK businesses hit £1 trillion in exports. 

16/11/2021 – DHSC – Minimum standards for private sector providers of COVID-19 testing 

Sets out the minimum standards that providers must meet to be listed as a private sector coronavirus (COVID-19) testing provider. 

15/11/2021 – DHSC – COVID-19 booster vaccine programme for winter 2021 to 2022: JCVI statement, November 2021 

Updated advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the COVID-19 booster vaccine programme for winter 2021 to 2022. 

15/11/2021 – DHSC – Government accepts JCVI advice on COVID-19 vaccination programme 

Health and Social Care Secretary accepts independent advice to extend booster programme to people aged 40 and over, and offer a second dose to people aged 16 to 17. 

15/11/2021 – DIT – Trade Secretary urges UK businesses to "Sell to the World" 

Trade Secretary launches “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” campaign to encourage businesses to explore international markets at first International Trade Week. 

15/11/2021 – Cabinet Office – Agenda of the Trade Partnership Committee: 16 November 2021 

Agenda of the first meeting of the Trade Partnership Committee under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on 16 November 2021 

15/11/2021 – Cabinet Office – Trade Specialised Committee on Public Procurement 

Trade Specialised Committee on Public Procurement under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. 

15/11/2021 – HMT – Minutes of the first Trade Specialised Committee on Goods, 8 October 2021 

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and EU established working-level Specialised Committees to monitor the implementation of the TCA. One of these Committees is the Trade Specialised Committee on Goods Committee, which met for the first time on 8 October 2021. 

15/11/2021 – DfT – Lessons learned from extreme-weather emergencies on UK highways 

Identifying the effects and impacts on the UK highway sector from extreme-weather events (2015 to 2020). 

11/11/2021 – Multi Department – New rules for towing a trailer with a car from autumn 2021 

The rules about what you can tow will not be changing on 15 November 2021. The change will be introduced at a later date, and as soon as possible. 

11/11/2021 – DIT – Trade Secretary steps up export support for clean growth businesses 

International Trade Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan announces Clean Growth programme 

11/11/2021 – HMRC – Changes to rebated fuels entitlement from 1 April 2022 

Find out how to prepare for changes that will restrict the use of rebated diesel and biofuels from 1 April 2022. 

10/11/2021 – DfT – UK confirms pledge for zero-emission HGVs by 2040 and unveils new chargepoint design 

All new road vehicles in the UK will be zero emission within the next two decades. 

10/11/2021 – DfT – COP 26 declaration: International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition 

Countries commit to ambitious action on international aviation emissions, including through a new global goal and promotion of cleaner fuels and technologies. 

10/11/2021 – Multi Department – COP26 declaration: zero emission cars and vans 

The COP26 declaration on zero emission cars and vans is a landmark global agreement launched by the UK COP presidency to signal the end of polluting vehicles. 

10/11/2021 – DfT – COP 26: Clydebank Declaration for green shipping corridors 

States will support the establishment of green shipping corridors globally under the Clydebank Declaration launched at COP26. 

09/11/2021 – Multi Department – The European Union (Withdrawal) Act and Common Frameworks: 26 March to 25 June 2021 

The twelfth European Union (Withdrawal) Act and Common Frameworks statutory report detailing the progress on the development of common frameworks. 

08/11/2021 – Multi Department – Government announces major review into HGV driver training 

Review to look at improving compulsory ongoing training for existing and returning heavy goods vehicle drivers announced. 

06/11/2021 – DHSC – Booster bookings to be opened a month early 

From Monday 8 November, the National Booking System will allow someone to pre-book their booster appointment a month before they are eligible. 

05/11/2021 – Multi Department – What's involved in being a road transport manager 

Responsibilities of road haulage and road passenger transport managers, and the skills and knowledge they need. 

05/11/2021 – DfT – DfT operational sustainability strategy 2021 to 2025 

Sets out actions the Department for Transport will take to improve its sustainable performance and achieve the Greening Government Commitments for 2021 to 2025. 

05/11/2021 – DHSC – New campaign to ‘Stop COVID-19 hanging around’ 

A new campaign has launched demonstrating the importance of simple ventilation techniques to reduce the risks of catching COVID-19 this winter. 

04/11/2021 – BEIS – Energy-related products policy framework 

This framework sets out the UK plan on how we will drive products to use less energy, resources and materials and how this will contribute to achieving net zero. 

04/11/2021 – HMT – Finance Bill 2021-22 published 

The Finance Bill 2021-22 was published today (4 November 2021), legislating for tax changes announced by the Chancellor at last week’s Budget. 

03/11/2021 – NIO – £12 million for skills and local business in Northern Ireland 

More than 30 projects across Northern Ireland are set to receive a share of over £12 million to help people into work, boost productivity and grow local economies, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove announced today (3 November).  

02/11/2021 – DHSC – New freight service to rapidly deliver medical goods to UK 

The International Express Freight Service has launched to deliver products to the UK rapidly when a supplier’s own logistical arrangements are disrupted. 

01/11/2021 – Multi Department – Removal of Passenger Locator Form requirement for goods and passenger vehicle drivers 

Government has decided to exempt goods and bus/coach drivers from filling in the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arriving in the UK. This came into effect at 4:00 am on 1 November. 

01/11/2021 – Home Office – Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 803, 1 November 2021 

Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules published on 1 November 2021.