Transport Legislation

Legislative framework for transportation systems, road safety, public transport, aviation, and maritime matters.

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Sheppey) (No. 1) Order 2025

This order establishes June 24, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land on the Isle of Sheppey.

The date follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, detailed in several reports, for creating a long-distance coastal path.

The order cites relevant sections of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis.

The Transport Act 2000 (Air Traffic Services) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Tue 3rd Jun 25

The Transport Act 2000 (Air Traffic Services) (Amendment) Order 2025, effective August 15, 2025, amends the definition of "air traffic services" in the Transport Act 2000 to include the process of developing and submitting airspace change proposals to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

This amendment applies to designated UK airspace and aims to streamline airspace management by providing clarity and supporting modernization initiatives.

The order follows a joint consultation on airspace modernization and leverages existing regulatory mechanisms while considering a potential de minimis cost impact on stakeholders.

The Worcestershire County Council (Hampton Bridge) Scheme 2025 Confirmation Instrument 2025

This legal instrument confirms the Worcestershire County Council's plan to build a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Avon in Evesham.

The bridge, part of a new highway, will connect Pershore Road to land near Evesham Leisure Centre.

The scheme considers navigation requirements and includes detailed plans and specifications, deposited at specified locations.

Minor amendments were made to ensure the scheme accurately reflects the drawing titles of the plans before confirmation.

The Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective May 31st, 2025, amend the 2021 regulations governing compensation for whiplash injuries from road traffic accidents in England and Wales.

The amendments introduce two new tables specifying increased damage amounts based on injury duration.

Table 1 applies to cases arising before May 31st, 2025, and Table 2 applies to those arising on or after that date.

The changes reflect adjustments to damage amounts, likely linked to inflation, and were approved by Parliament.

The M48 Motorway (Severn Bridge) (Temporary Prohibition of Heavy Goods Vehicles) Order 2025

Published: Thu 22nd May 25

This order temporarily bans heavy goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes on specified sections of the M48 Severn Bridge, effective May 27th, 2025, for up to 18 months.

The ban addresses the potential for public danger and significant road damage.

Exemptions are in place for emergency vehicles and those with police permission.

The order is based on the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, with consideration given to alternative routes.

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 22nd May 25

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 amend the 1999 Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations.

Specifically, they revise the rules concerning the types of zero-emission vehicles that can be driven under certain licence categories in Great Britain.

The changes primarily relax restrictions on the maximum authorized mass of zero-emission vehicles that category B licence holders (standard car licence) can operate, allowing for larger vehicles and trailer combinations, with some stipulations on age and experience in certain cases.

The regulations also address the age restrictions for driving some medium-sized goods vehicles specified within the updated regulations, setting a single legal age of 17.

This legislation revokes and replaces previous regulations largely based on assimilated EU law.

The Folkestone Harbour Revision Order (Amendment) Order 2025

The Folkestone Harbour Revision Order (Amendment) Order 2025 corrects an error in the 2017 order.

It removes the phrase “not exceeding the statutory maximum” from articles 12(2), 14(2), and 15(2), thereby removing the upper limit on fines for non-compliance with regulations concerning navigation safety and lighting.

This change reflects the removal of such limits in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.

The order applies to England and Wales and took effect on June 10, 2025.

The Manston Airport Development Consent (Amendment) Order 2025

The Manston Airport Development Consent (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2022 order to extend the time limit for compulsory land acquisition from one to five years.

This amendment, made under the Planning Act 2008, addresses potential delays in the airport development project.

The order was signed by Kayla Marks, Head of the Transport and Works Act Orders Unit at the Department for Transport, on May 19, 2025 and comes into effect May 20, 2025.