Publisher's Synopsis
The aim of this Act is to implement the Government's strategy for an integrated transport policy as set out in the White Paper "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone" (Cm 3950) published in July 1998. The Act provides for the transfer of the ownership of the company which now provides en route air traffic services (NATS) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to the ownership of the Secretary of State, the strategic partner and NATS employees. In doing so it will make possible a clear separation between the regulation of safety, which will remain the responsibility of the CAA, and the provision of the services. The Act aims to improve local passenger transport services, and reduce road congestion and pollution. It imposes a duty on local transport authorities to prepare and publish a local transport plan setting out their policies for the promotion of safe, integrated, efficient and economic transport facilities in their area, and to develop a bus strategy for carrying out their bus functions. The Strategic Rail Authority, which should promote the use of railways, should be established by the Act.
