(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order relates to the Greater Manchester Light Rapid Transit System, also known as Metrolink (the “Metrolink network”).
The Order amends the Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) (Exemptions) Order 2013 (“the 2013 Order”) by inserting a new article which requires the Secretary of State to review the operation and effect of that Order and publish a report before 6th December 2020 and within every five years after that (article 3). Following a review it will fall to the Secretary of State to consider whether the 2013 Order should remain as it is, or be revoked or amended. A further instrument would be needed to revoke the 2013 Order or to amend it.
The Order also amends the 2013 Order by replacing the map contained in the Schedule to that Order with a revised map of the Metrolink network (article 4). The revised map includes a short section of additional track and a new station that are in the course of being constructed. The effect is to extend the exemptions granted by the 2013 Order to the extension of the Metrolink network.
The exemptions granted by the 2013 Order and that are so extended by this Order are as follows (described by reference to the Articles of the 2013 Order):
Article 3 exempts certain persons operating railway assets used in connection with railway passenger services on the Metrolink network (“Metrolink Services”) from the requirement of section 6 of the Railways Act 1993 (“the 1993 Act”) that they be licensed to do so.
Article 4 exempts certain persons operating railway assets used in connection with Metrolink Services (“Metrolink facilities”) from the provisions of section 16A(2) of the 1993 Act under which they could otherwise be required by direction of the Office of Rail and Road (“the ORR”) to improve or develop those assets.
Article 5 exempts certain persons owning Metrolink facilities from being subject to sections 17, 18 and 22A of the 1993 Act, which relate to the role of the ORR in respect of access agreements.
Article 6 exempts certain persons from the scope of section 23 of the 1993 Act (relating to the designation of services eligible for provision under franchise agreements) in respect of Metrolink services.
Article 7 disapplies, in relation to Metrolink services, sections 22 to 24 of the Railways Act 2005 (“the 2005 Act”) relating to the discontinuance of railway passenger services.
Article 8 disapplies, in relation to the Metrolink network, sections 26 to 28 of the 2005 Act relating to the discontinuance of operation of passenger networks.
Article 9 disapplies, in relation to stations or parts of stations used for the provision of Metrolink services, sections 29 to 31 of the 2005 Act relating to the discontinuance of use or operation of stations.
Article 10 designates every Metrolink service as a special procedure excluded service for the purposes of section 25 of the 2005 Act.
An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no cost to business or voluntary sectors is foreseen. An Explanatory Memorandum is available alongside the instrument on the website www.legislation.gov.uk.
