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2006/07

	Queen's Speech

	Government Bills 2006/07
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	Prorogation Speech

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Government bills 2006/07 - Draft Bills

Road Transport Bill

Key Benefits
The draft Bill would support the Government's efforts to tackle congestion and improve public transport. Would aim to reform existing legislative powers, giving local authorities greater flexibility to implement measures that meet local needs by: Reforming the existing powers that allow the development of local road pricing 'pilot' schemes that will tackle congestion where it is already a problem or soon will be Enabling local authorities to improve the standard of bus services in their areas. Ministers have closely examined successful services and intend to set out proposals on future policy shortly Reforming Passenger Transport Authorities and Executives, to enable a more coherent approach to transport to be taken in major English cities. A national road pricing scheme covering all roads would not be possible under these proposals. Should the Government decide to go ahead with such a scheme, further primary legislation would be needed and there would be a full debate.

Territorial Extent
England and Wales

It is currently expected that any reforms to Passenger Transport Authorities and Executives will be England only; and that the bus service and road pricing provisions will apply to England and Wales. The Department for Transport and the devolved administrations will continue to work closely together as detailed proposals are developed. The Northern Ireland Department for Regional Development is currently considering whether similar road pricing powers are best introduced to Northern Ireland through the Road Transport Bill or a separate Order in Council.

Additional Information

The Draft Bill with supporting documentation is due to be published in Spring 2007. Department for Transport will be working closely with interested parties in developing proposals for the draft Bill. There will then be a full consultation on the draft Bill itself, which will of course be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by Parliament.

Comments

If you have any comments on the proposals you can email them to:

Matt.Tyler@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Department for Transport