Overview

This bill makes amendments to the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act 2017, primarily focusing on adjustments to land acquisition processes, traffic regulation, and updates to various schedules within the original act. These changes aim to streamline the construction of Phase One of High Speed 2, addressing issues related to land ownership, traffic management, and administrative processes.

Description

The amendments cover several key areas:

• Land Acquisition: Changes to Schedules 14 and others modify procedures for acquiring land, airspace, and subsoil, including adjustments to notice periods and land descriptions. Specific clarifications are made regarding the acquisition of airspace and subsoil lying more than 9 meters below the surface.
• Traffic Regulation: A new schedule introduces a process requiring consultation with the Secretary of State before certain traffic regulation orders affecting High Speed 2 construction are implemented. The Secretary of State also gains powers to direct or make such orders, with reduced consultation requirements in some instances.
• Administrative and Technical Amendments: The amendments correct errors, update references to legislation (e.g., replacing outdated Statutory Instruments), and alter designations across various schedules and clauses, primarily impacting references to specific land plots, roads, and administrative processes related to the HS2 project.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated. The amendments primarily affect administrative processes and land acquisition, and the financial implications would depend on the specifics of land deals and implementation costs associated with the new traffic regulation processes. No figures are provided within the bill text.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Landowners and occupiers: Changes to land acquisition procedures could impact their rights and compensation.
• Local authorities and traffic authorities: They face new consultation requirements and the potential for the Secretary of State to override their decisions regarding traffic management and regulations related to HS2 construction.
• Businesses and residents near the HS2 route: Traffic restrictions and other disruptions caused by the project could affect them and any road works or disruptions may also impact them.
• High Speed Rail (HS2) Ltd (the nominated undertaker): Streamlined procedures could potentially accelerate the project timeline, but additional costs could also arise from disputes and other issues that may arise from amended procedures.

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