The Transport and Works Act Orders Unit (TWAOU) in DfT processes, and issues decisions on, applications under the Transport and Works Act 1992 for powers to construct and operate railways, tramways and other guided transport systems, and works which interfere with navigation rights.

This site provides links to copies of TWA decision letters and inspectors’ reports; guidance on the procedures, including good practice tips for applicants; data relating to casework performance; and earlier consultation papers on improvements to the TWA process.

• Performance data on TWA applications, 3 November 2010

Guidance on TWA procedures

• Transport and Works Act orders – A brief guide (2006) English and Welsh translation, 24 August 2006
• A Guide to Transport and Works Act Procedures 2006, 12 June 2006 last updated 13 May 2011
• TWA Good practice tips for applicants, 17 November 2005 last updated 24 October 2008

Queries about TWA applications

If you have a query in regard to the procedures for a particular TWA application which you have an interest in, please raise it in the first instance with the relevant case officer, whose contact details are provided to all those who make representations on an application.

If you do not know who the case officer is, or if you have any general enquiries about, or any comments to make on, the TWA process (including any suggestions for improving the process), please address them to:

TWA Orders Unit
General Counsel’s Office
Department for Transport
Zone 1/04, Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London SW1P 4DR

Tel: 020 7944 2474/3196
transportandworksact@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Complaints:  If you have a complaint to make about the way an application  is being handled, you are advised to raise this in the first instance with the relevant case officer, either by phone, e-mail or letter. If you are not satisfied with the response you get, and wish to take this further, please refer to the complaints section on this web site at www.dft.gov.uk/about/complaints, which explains the options available to you.

If you wish to challenge a decision made by the Secretary of State on an application for a TWA Order, please refer to the guidance given on pages 29 and 30 of ‘Transport and Works Act orders – a brief guide’, which you can access by following the link below to ‘Guidance on TWA procedures’. Guidance on how decisions can be challenged in the courts is also given in a note which accompanies all TWA decision letters.