Policies 2019

The TPS response highlighted that autonomous vehicles (AV) will be operated in a number of modes depending on the degree of supervision required, ranging from the vehicle being manually driven to a requirement for no supervision (or even a qualified driver on board) when a vehicle operates in its own self-contained and segregated environment. We identified the need for legislation to be tailored to these different operating circumstances. For example, a user-in-charge ready to take over control of a vehicle at any moment would be prohibited from undertaking secondary tasks while a user-in-charge of a vehicle operating in automatic mode over part of its journey on a highway or part of a highway dedicated to such usage would have much more flexibility.  TPS also counselled that the idea of a "driverless'" vehicle operating door-to-door on the public highway in mixed use circumstances is a long way off and that it is premature to legislate fo such use now.

 

May 

DfT Consultation on LRT

The TPS response highlighted the fact that LRT has a key role to play in UK cities and that there is considerable “grassroots” support for new schemes. However, we pointed out that there are many obstacles to LRT implementation and that it is 15 years since any wholly new system opened in the UK (Nottingham in 2004). Our planning and legislative processes, coupled with a lack of funding, have made it difficult to successfully promote schemes and bring them to fruition within a sensible timescale. In contrast, continental cities appear to better streamline LRT implementation as a result of strong civic leadership, better integrated land-use and transport planning, and stronger regulation and control of public transport services at a city region level. TPS considered that a shift in favour towards reliable, rapid urban transit combined with a strengthening of the powers and resources of City Regions and Combined Authorities will be needed to reinvigorate LRT investment.

Click here to read the TPS response on LRT

October

Response to Williams Rail Review

The TPS response highlighted the need for the wider societal benefits of rail to be fully recognized and taken into account when assessing options emerging from the Review. TPS also highlighted the need not only to consider cost to the taxpayer but also value for money to the taxpayer from investment in rail, and the need to recognise the fiscal benefits accruing to other Government departments where rail supports other government policies. TPS urged greater resources and funds for regional and local bodies to invest in local rail development, as well as more proactive local authority involvement in station management. Finally, seamless travel in terms of physical interaction between modes, timetabling and ticketing is important, including the possibility of TOC’s being encouraged to effectively extend the rail network at low cost by operating quality bus services fully integrated with their rail services.

Click here to read the TPS response to the Williams Rail Review

November

The Good Councillor's Guide to Transport Planning 

TPS, in partnership with The National Association of Local Councils (NALC), has published a new guide for local (parish and town) councillors on transport planning.

This handy and easy-to-read resource, aimed at England's 100,000 local councillors, d is the latest guide in a series as part of the National Improvement Strategy for local councils.

The guide includes practical advice and guidance, and covers:

• What is transport planning?
• Delivering integrated transport networks
• The role of local councillors
• Case studies
• Resources

Cllr Sue Baxter, chairman of NALC, said: "I'm delighted to have worked with the Transport Planning Society to publish this latest guide in our popular The Good Councillor's guide series. It is vital local councillors understand the principles of transport planning and how it can influence their work in building stronger, more connected communities. This new guide will help local councillors to be equipped with the basic information to consider transport issues at the local council level and thereby improve it."

Lynda Addison, board member, Transport Planning Society, said: "Transport planning is an essential part of today's society in terms of how we move around an area to work, shop, do other activities and generally carry out our daily lives. Better transport planning helps to improve our health, our areas and their communities. We hope that this guide will help local councillors to shape and enhance local areas, improve opportunities and choice, and the quality of life for all and create more prosperous and better-connected local communities."

Read The Good Councillor's guide to transport planning