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Covering letter

Foreword

This consultation concerns a draft guidance note for local authority promoters considering a light rail scheme. The draft guidance is intended to provide practical help to local authority promoters. It highlights strategic and detailed issues a promoter will need to consider, and sets out the Government's policy on light rail schemes. The draft guidance provides a signpost to other guidance which will be of interest to promoters. It also suggests sources of additional assistance.

The draft guidance is intended for local authority promoters in England outside London. Whilst the draft guidance focuses on light rail systems, a lot of its contents will also be applicable to other rapid transit modes, such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The draft guidance includes advice on how promoters can decide which mode is the most appropriate in their particular circumstances.

The draft guidance should be read alongside the Department for Transport's draft "Guidance to Local Authorities seeking DfT Funding for Local Transport Major Schemes" which provides general guidance on major scheme bids. It should also be read alongside the Department's "Consultation on changes to the policy on funding major projects"

Executive Summary

The draft guidance includes no new proposals. Instead it seeks to pull together, in one place, guidance that will help promoters wishing to develop a light rail scheme.

The draft guidance is set out in eight chapters covering:

  • Chapter 1 - Introduction
  • Chapter 2 - Strategic Case
  • Chapter 3 - Optimising a light rail scheme
  • Chapter 4 - Option appraisal and value for money
  • Chapter 5 - Commercial issues
  • Chapter 6 - Financial issues
  • Chapter 7 - Delivery issues
  • Chapter 8 - Approval Processes

This draft guidance does not attempt to duplicate the major schemes guidance, nor the proposals set out in the consultation on funding major projects. Instead it cross refers to the main guidance and provides specific advice relevant to light rail schemes.

Although the draft guidance covers value for money appraisal issues in respect of light rail schemes it does not replace the WebTAG guidance on major scheme appraisal. Links to WebTAG are included where appropriate. WebTAG remains the authoritative source for all transport appraisal guidance.

How to respond

We would welcome views on the following questions:

  • Is the information contained within the guidance likely to be helpful to promoters seeking a light rail scheme?
  • Is the level of detail about right?
  • Are there any additional issues which you would like to see covered in the guidance?
  • Could any sections of the draft guidance benefit from greater clarity?

We are not seeking comments on the policy or procedures set out in the guidance. The procedures have been the subject of a separate consultation.

It would assist the Department if responses were structured to mirror the document itself with chapter and paragraph numbers referenced.

The consultation period began on 14 December 2006 and will run until 9 March 2007. Please ensure that your response reaches us by that date. If you would like further copies of this consultation document it can be found on our website or you can contact Peter Apostolou. Please send consultation responses by e-mail to: lightrail.information@dft.gsi.gov.uk. Hard copies of responses can be sent to:

Peter Apostolou
Light Rail Team
3/18 Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR

When responding please state whether you are responding as an individual or representing the views of an organisation. If responding on behalf of a larger organisation please make it clear who the organisation represents, and where applicable, how the views of members were assembled.

A list of those consulted is attached. If you have any suggestions of others who may wish to be involved in this process please contact us.

According to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (2000), all information contained in your response to this consultation may be subject to publication or disclosure. This may include personal information such as your name and address. If you want your response or your name and address to remain confidential, you should explain why confidentiality is necessary. Your request will be granted only if it is it is consistent with Freedom of Information obligations. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your e-mail system will not be regarded as binding on the Department.

What will happen next

We will take into account your comments and produce a revised versions of the guidance which will be published on the Department's website. We hope to publish the final version next spring.

A summary of responses to this consultation will be published on our website: www.dft.gov.uk after the consultation period has closed. Paper copies will be available on request

Code of Practice on Consultation

This consultation has been produced in accordance with the principles of the Government's Code of Practice on Consultation.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has not been produced as the draft guidance introduces no additional costs for local authority promoters or business. Instead it seeks to pull together, in one place, guidance that will help promoters wishing to develop a light rail scheme.

The code of practice sets out the following criteria:

1. Consult widely throughout the process, allowing a minimum of 12 weeks for written consultation at least once during the development of the policy.
2. Be clear about what your proposals are, who may be affected, what questions are being asked and the time-scale for responses.
3. Ensure that your consultation is clear, concise and widely accessible.
4. Give feedback regarding the responses received and how the consultation process influenced the policy.
5. Monitor your Department's effectiveness at consultation, including through the use of a designated consultation co-ordinator.
6. Ensure your consultation follows better regulation best practice, including carrying out a Regulatory Impact Assessment if appropriate.

A full version of the code of practice is available on the Cabinet Office website at: http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/regulation/consultation/code.asp

If you consider that this consultation does not comply with the criteria or have comments about the consultation process please contact:

Andrew D Price
Consultation Co-ordinator
Department for Transport
Zone 9/9 Southside
105 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DT
email: consultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk

List of Consultees

Promoters of existing light rail schemes in England
UKTram
Transport for London
PTEG light rapid transit group
Light Rapid Transport Forum
Confederation of Passenger Transport UK
Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate
Commission for Integrated Transport
Transport Scotland
Welsh Assembly
Department for Regional Development - Northern Ireland
Government Offices - to inform all local transport authorities in England outside London
Regional Development Agency
Regional Assemblies
Local Government Association
Network Rail
Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee
Community Transport Association
Light Rail Transit Association
Sustraco
Parry People Movers Limited
TRAMPower Limited
Advanced Transport Systems Limited