15Consultation as to proposed quality contract scheme
(1)If a local transport authority propose to make a quality contract scheme, they shall give notice of the proposed scheme in at least one local newspaper circulating in the area to which it relates.
(2)The notice shall—
(a)set out the proposed scheme or state where, in what form, and at what times, a copy of it may be inspected; and
(b)state the authority’s reasons for wishing to make the scheme.
(3)After giving notice of the proposed scheme, the authority shall consult—
(a)all operators of local services in the area to which the proposed scheme relates;
(b)all persons (other than those falling within paragraph (a) above) holding a PSV operator’s licence or a community bus permit who are, in the opinion of the authority, likely to be affected by it;
(c)such organisations appearing to the authority to be representative of users of local services as they think fit;
(d)every other local transport authority any part of whose area is, in the opinion of the authority, likely to be affected by it;
(e)any—
(i)local transport authority (as defined in paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 108(4) of the Transport Act 2000 (c. 38)); or
(ii)metropolitan district council in England,
any part of whose area is, in the opinion of the authority, likely to be affected by it;
(f)the traffic commissioner;
(g)the chief officer of police for each police area which is to any extent comprised in the area to which the scheme relates; and
(h)such other persons as the authority think fit.
(4)The authority may modify the proposed scheme following those consultations.