Overview

This bill makes it mandatory for local highway authorities in England to protect wildlife near protected areas. It requires them to assess risks to wildlife from roads and implement safety measures, such as crossings and signage, while also providing guidance from the Secretary of State.

Description

This bill places a legal duty on local highway authorities in England to safeguard wildlife on roads passing through or near designated protected areas. This includes:

• Reviewing wildlife: Assessing wildlife populations in specified protected areas within their jurisdiction.
• Risk assessment: Evaluating the risks posed by traffic to wildlife entering roads and vice-versa.
• Safety provisions: Implementing measures to protect both wildlife and road users. This could include wildlife crossings, signage, barriers, and speed restrictions.
• Signage visibility: Ensuring that any signage is and remains clearly visible to drivers.
• Guidance from the Secretary of State: The Secretary of State will provide guidance on assessing the need for and implementing wildlife protection measures, consulting relevant parties before issuing or revising this guidance.
• "Adjacent" definition: A road is considered adjacent if it's within 200 meters of a protected area or runs between two protected areas less than 500 meters apart.
• Protected areas definition: The bill defines "specified protected areas" as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, and Special Protection Areas.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely lead to increased costs for local highway authorities to implement wildlife protection measures, potentially requiring additional funding from central government. The cost will depend on the specific measures implemented in each area.

Groups Affected

• Local Highway Authorities: Will incur costs in implementing the new duties, including assessments, planning, and construction of safety features.
• Wildlife: Will directly benefit from reduced road mortality and improved habitat connectivity.
• Road Users: May experience minor traffic delays due to speed restrictions or other safety measures, but ultimately benefit from enhanced road safety.
• Taxpayers: May see increased taxes to fund the implementation of these measures.

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