Modernising Operator Licensing: The way forward

The licensing system for operators of heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles will be streamlined and modernised, Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman announced today.

The proposals follow a consultation process and form part of the Department for Transport's commitment to provide better regulation of the road haulage and passenger transport industries, outlined in the 'Future of Transport' White Paper.

Dr Ladyman said:

"I want to cut red tape for the road haulage and passenger transport industries whilst maintaining safety standards. These proposals will reduce administrative burdens associated with licensing and build upon efficiency improvements already made by the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency (VOSA)."

The changes include:

* a single traffic commissioner for operators based in more than one traffic area;

* a simplified fee structure with most licence fees being merged with the fee for annual roadworthiness tests;

* a commitment to abolish windscreen discs after the roll-out of new enforcement technology.

Overall these changes are expected to save the industries around £15 million a year.

Progress on the Future of Air Transport White Paper

Secretary of State for Transport Douglas Alexander today reported the progress made in implementing the policies and proposals set out in the Government's 2003 Future of Air Transport White Paper.

The White Paper set out a long-term strategy for the sustainable development of air travel to 2030, recognising the growing aspirations to travel and the economic benefits that it brings while tackling the environmental challenges.

The progress report reaffirms the Government's commitment to the strategy set out in the White Paper, that is, support for the development of the aviation sector across the UK, predominantly through making the best use of existing capacity, and ensuring where new capacity is required its provision is in line with our environmental obligations.

As part of this, the Department is today announcing a new mechanism to help inform decisions on major increases in aviation capacity. The 'emissions cost assessment' will consider whether the aviation sector is meeting its external climate change costs. The Government is expected to consult on the development of this assessment in the first half of 2007.

Mr Alexander said:

"There has been increasing awareness since the White Paper was published of the need to ensure that the aviation industry grows sustainably. The Government has also recognised this as a priority. The progress report confirms our intention that aviation should meet its climate change costs and should limit noise and pollution at airports across the country.

At the same time, we must ensure that the UK has the airport capacity it needs to enhance its economic performance."

Other achievements detailed in today's report include:

* Progress within Europe on including aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme.

* Royal Assent of the Civil Aviation Act, strengthening powers over the control of aircraft noise and local air quality.

* Industry progress in reducing the noise of the airline fleet and in addressing local air quality issues

* Improvements to passenger facilities at airports across the UK.

* Establishment of better dialogue between local communities and airport developers as a result of the publication, for the first time and after local consultation, of airport 'master plans'. These documents provide a basis for ensuring that measures to address noise, air quality, impacts on biodiversity and heritage, and issues of blight are properly considered, clearly set out and taken forward in an open and inclusive way.

* Launch of a Government scheme for offsetting all official flights.

The Government will also shortly be bringing forward proposals to make it simpler for air passengers to offset the carbon emissions arising from the flights that they take by setting out a government standard for how such schemes should operate.

Feedback on improvements

The survey also reveals the measures that help passengers feel more secure. People waiting for or traveling by bus for example, felt that locally monitored CCTV surveillance was the most reassuring form of security; while those who traveled by train felt that the presence of staff on the platform or collecting tickets on board the train made them feel more secure. In both cases, passengers said that the provision of Help Points, clear signage and improved lighting was particularly welcome.

Information about services and delays also improves people's comfort. Passengers felt that accurate, real-time information displays and public address systems help them feel more in control of their situation.

It is also worth noting that people often feel at their most vulnerable during the walk home from the bus or train - especially at night. So having local street maps, clear signage, taxi ranks or private hire operators with public premises nearby helps to reassure passengers, particularly when they are in unfamiliar locations.

Community rail - new life for local lines

The rail services on the Wherry Lines between Norwich and Lowestoft and between Norwich and Great Yarmouth via Acle and Berney Arms have been designated as community rail services, Rail Minister Tom Harris announced today.

The designated services allow for a more flexible approach to be adopted by the train operating company (One) working alongside the local community rail partnership. This enables them to manage the services with greater emphasis on meeting local needs.

The designated services link at Norwich to the rest of East Anglia and with Central Trains services providing travel opportunities to the entire UK network.

Transport Minister Tom Harris said:

"Designation of the Wherry Line services as community rail services is good news for passengers. It will ensure that management look to meet local needs at an affordable price, encouraging involvement from local stakeholders."

Andrew Chivers, Managing Director for 'one' said :

"We welcome the designation of the Wherry Lines to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft with Community Rail status. The routes have benefited from a successful Community Rail Partnership over a number of years, which has helped to effectively promote the route, encourage extra rail travel and involve the community more closely. Designation is the logical next step to help us continue to increase rail journeys on these important routes and 'one' will play its part in fostering further success over the years ahead."

Peter Lawrence, Chairman,The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership said:

"The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership are pleased about the
designation of Community Rail Status by the DfT. We will continue to
seek improvements in publicity and enhancements to the current level of rail services and fares for all the local communities and visitors. It
is our aim to be proactive in helping local villages, towns, business
and attractions to get more from their local rail services and to work
with 'one', the County Council and other transport operators in
improving access to destinations from all Wherry Lines rail stations".

New Chief Executive for Maritime and Coastguard Agency

The Department for Transport today announced the appointment of Peter Cardy as the new Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. He will succeed John Astbury who retires from his post as Acting Chief Executive of the Agency in May 2007.

Peter Cardy's appointment follows an open competition. He joins the Agency following five years as Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, and brings to the job over 30 years of experience in senior executive positions.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Cardy said:
"The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has a vital role in keeping the ships and the seas of the UK safe. Shipping accounts for a huge proportion of our trade; the sea and our coasts are an essential economic resource as well as an important recreational asset. I look forward to working with all the staff of the Agency, including the volunteers in the Coastguard Rescue Service, to protect the sea and all those who use it."

County Fleet

The County Council Fleet of 435 vehicles is made up of cars, vans, minibuses, accessible cars and minibuses, and mobile libraries, as well as winter maintenance vehicles (gritters) and other specialist plant vehicles and items.

Approximately 200 of these vehicles are employed on a daily basis, carrying school and college students and clients in receipt of care packages.

MAIB warn fishermen of the danger of tiredness

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has today alerted fishermen to the dangers of tiredness while working. In a move aimed at improving safety at sea the MAIB has issued a flyer urging fishermen to take fatigue seriously.

The warning has been issued following the publication of the MAIB's report into the stern trawler Brothers BF138, which grounded and sank off the north coast of the Isle of Skye on 1 June 2006. The accident resulted in the death of the two crew members.

The investigation discovered that the vessel probably grounded due to one of the crew falling asleep in the wheel house. This meant that the vessel continued on autopilot past the prawn fishing grounds and ran aground on the rocky shore.

Stephen Meyer, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents said:

"Prawn fishing is generally done during good weather and fisherman will work very long hours to make the most of it. This accident clearly shows the importance of being alert at work and ensuring that fisherman have regular and substantial breaks."