(1)If it appears to the authority or authorities who made the scheme appropriate to do so, they may decide that the date on which the scheme would otherwise come into operation shall be postponed by such period as they think fit (subject to any provision of regulations made under subsection (4)).
(2)Before making such a decision they must consult all operators of local services who would, in their opinion, be affected by the decision.
(3)Not later than 14 days after the date on which any such decision is made they must give notice of the decision—
(a)in at least one newspaper circulating in the area to which the scheme relates, and
(b)to all operators of local services who would, in their opinion, be affected by the decision and the traffic commissioner for each traffic area covering the whole or part of the area to which the scheme relates.
(4)The appropriate national authority may by regulations make provision with respect to postponements under subsection (1).
(5)The regulations may in particular make provision—
(a)as to the maximum period of postponements, and
(b)requiring authorities to re-issue invitations to tender in accordance with section 130.