The Department for Transport (DfT) has published statutory guidance for local transport authorities (LTAs) in England on preparing local transport plans (LTPs) under the Transport Act 2000 (TaA 2000). The guidance introduces a new outcomes-based funding model, which consolidates multiple funding streams into simplified settlements and requires LTAs to report against local transport outcome frameworks. Key mandatory requirements include the development of electric vehicle infrastructure strategies that incorporate cross-pavement charging policies, active travel strategies aligned with local cycling and walking infrastructure plans, and bus service improvement plans. Additionally, LTAs must conduct strategic environmental assessments and health impact assessments alongside their LTPs. The guidance establishes requirements for enhanced partnerships or bus franchising schemes to qualify for DfT bus funding, and mandates that bus network accessibility plans be completed by 31 March 2027. The guidance references forthcoming legislation, including the English Devolution and Community Empowerment

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published the terms of reference for an independent review, led by Tracy Westall OBE, into a technical anomaly affecting National Highways' Highways Agency Digital Enforcement and Compliance System (HADECS) cameras. The anomaly has impacted how HADECS cameras interact with variable speed limit signs on a limited number of A-roads and motorways, resulting in some drivers incorrectly facing speeding enforcement action. The Secretary of State for Transport commissioned the review to examine how the anomaly occurred and how it was handled. The review will also make recommendations to reduce the risk of similar issues occurring in future and to improve the management of such incidents.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has reaffirmed that it will bring forward a draft Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. In a written parliamentary answer on 7 September 2026, Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood said that the Department was continuing to consider, holistically, reform of taxi and PHV regulation. The draft Bill will include measures intended to improve the accessibility of taxi and PHV services for disabled passengers by strengthening existing protections and removing barriers to travel. No timetable or further detail of the proposed measures was provided.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has commissioned Ipsos to assess public understanding of terminology used to describe and market driver assistance and self-driving vehicles, and Ipsos found widespread misunderstanding of both system capabilities and driver responsibility, including that around half of respondents either incorrectly believed such vehicles were already available in the UK or were unsure. The survey of 2,186 UK adults in March 2025 showed that familiarity with driver assistance features did not equate to accurate understanding, and that confusion was particularly pronounced in relation to branded terms and features.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published its maritime decarbonisation strategy, setting targets for vessels operating in UK waters to achieve 30% emissions reduction by 2030, 80% by 2040, and net zero by 2050. The strategy includes bringing the shipping sector under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), with initial focus on larger vessels such as tankers and cruises. Implementation measures include development of shipping 'chargeports' and adoption of alternative fuels including hydrogen, electric and ammonia. The DfT has also launched two calls for evidence regarding emissions reduction at berth, future port energy demand and small vessel decarbonisation. The strategy aligns with International Maritime Organisation 2023 greenhouse gas reduction goals.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has updated the Automated Vehicles Bill 2023 (the Bill) policy scoping notes following the Bill’s passage through the House of Lords in January 2023. The updated notes reflect the House of Lords’ amendments relating to the Statement of Safety Principles. These will set out further detail of the safety expectations for self-driving vehicles and will be used to inform safety assessment across the self-driving regulatory framework. The Bill establishes the government's safety ambition that self-driving vehicles should be expected to achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or higher than, a careful and competent human driver as the minimum level of road safety that the Statement of Safety Principles should look to achieve.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published updated guidance for suppliers of recycled carbon fuels under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate. The 2026 guidance covers eligibility definitions for recycled carbon fuels, feedstock eligibility processes, and carbon and sustainability requirements, replacing earlier 2024 guidance while retaining the previous version for historical reference.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has updated its guidance on Transport and Works Act (TWA) orders to reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (PIA 2025) and to clarify aspects of the application and decision-making process. The revised guidance explains the procedure for obtaining an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA 1992), which sets out the principal statutory framework for authorising certain transport infrastructure projects in England and Wales.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has updated its guidance for English local highway authorities on developing proposals to operate lane rental schemes. The update reflects new street works lane rental charges.

Internet access that uses a dial-up connection over an analogue or ISDN (Integrated services digital network) telephone line.

Connections made to a data network using the switched network to provide a voiceband or data bearer.

TMT analysis: In 2024, Communications Service Providers (CSPs) identified that AI, automation and machine learning technologies are their top priority investment areas for 2025, with one in three being in the process of implementing AI solutions in some areas. The proliferation of AI technology is having a significant impact on the telecoms market in the UK and CSPs need to be aware of the risks and benefits of using AI solutions to deliver services to their customers. Written by Matt Suter, associate director at Osborne Clarke LLP.