Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill introduces a legal duty for various transport authorities and related organizations in England to cooperate in reducing transport disruption and improving the efficiency of transport networks. It mandates cooperation during infrastructure projects, maintenance, and other works impacting transport, along with the publication of disruption assessments.

Description

The bill establishes a "duty to cooperate" on specified relevant authorities. These include local transport authorities, National Highways, rail operators, franchise operators, Network Rail, utility companies, public sector companies, and National Grid. The Secretary of State can add further organizations via regulations approved by Parliament.

Cooperation Requirements

Authorities must engage constructively, coordinate planned works to minimize disruption, plan diversions to minimize impact, reduce simultaneous works, assess cumulative impacts on users, and minimize work frequency in high-impact areas. They must also publish assessments of expected disruption before works begin, and statements explaining simultaneous works within two weeks of their completion. The Secretary of State will provide guidance on key terms.

Applicability

The duty applies when any relevant authority undertakes works related to infrastructure projects, roadway/railway improvements or maintenance, or utility maintenance/construction that could disrupt transport. The duty only applies if there's a reasonable likelihood of disruption.

Parliamentary Approval

Any regulations adding further organizations to the "relevant authorities" must be approved by both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The impact on government spending will depend on the implementation costs of the cooperation requirements and enforcement mechanisms, which are not detailed in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Transport Authorities (Local, National Highways, Rail Operators, Network Rail etc.): Will face new legal obligations to cooperate and potentially increased administrative burdens.
• Utility Companies: Will have new cooperation responsibilities regarding works that affect transport networks.
• Public Sector Companies: Similar to utility companies, these will face new cooperation requirements.
• Commuters and Transport Users: Could experience reduced transport disruption and improved network efficiency if the bill's aims are achieved.