Explanatory note

The attached report, which suggests ways of improving the procedures for handling applications for Orders under the Transport and Works Act (TWA), was commissioned by the former Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions. TWA Orders are the usual means of granting powers for railway and tramway schemes and certain other types of infrastructure project.

MVA, in association with Adams Hendry, Rees & Freres and CVRL, were asked to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the present TWA system and to make recommendations for improving and speeding up the process. Their report makes 55 recommendations, as set out in the Summary at the front of the report.

The Department for Transport, having just taken over the lead responsibility for deciding TWA applications, is publishing the report in order to stimulate ideas and discussion on ways to improve the TWA procedures.

This should not be taken to mean that the Department endorses the recommendations in the report. The Department recognises that the report provides a valuable analysis of the present system, but it wishes to give further consideration to the proposals in the report, in consultation with other Government departments and the Welsh Assembly Government, before responding to it.

Subject to consideration of any views received in the meantime, the Department intends to draw up proposals for public consultation as soon as possible.

TWA Processing Unit
Zone 3/11, Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR

Tel: 020 7944 2483/2488/3293
Fax: 020 7944 2479