Written - The National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Transport) Order 2010

This Legislative Competence Order seeks to confer additional powers on the National Assembly over learner transport safety and concessionary fares.

In One Wales we made the commitment to continue to improve the safety of children and young people on the journey to school or college. The consultation on the Learner Travel Measure highlighted widespread concern regarding bus regulation and safety issues, which that Measure could not deal with as vehicle safety was not within the legislative competence of the National Assembly. I made a commitment then to seek more powers in this area - a commitment which was welcomed by the Enterprise and Learning Committee and received cross-party support.

These new powers will enable the National Assembly to take forward Measures which relate to the safety of the vehicles used, for instance, by requiring school buses to be fitted with seatbelts and CCTV.

These new powers, together with the existing provisions in the Learner Travel Measure, will make it possible to continue to improve the safety of pupils travelling to school or college, so that students can take the bus, walk or cycle to school safely. They will improve the quality of life for our children and young people; help to reduce road traffic congestion, as well as promoting wider environmental, economic, health, and social benefits.

We are also seeking extended powers over the concessionary travel scheme. The Assembly Government is fully committed to the continuity of the scheme and to maintaining the existing entitlement levels. In order to safeguard its long-term sustainability, we are seeking to extend the National Assembly’s powers in this area.  These powers will enable the Assembly Government to bring forward legislation, by way of an Assembly Measure, over the reimbursement and administration arrangements, providing greater control over the scheme.

Transport remains a top priority for the Assembly Government, and I look forward to working with Members to scrutinise this Order. I will make a Legislative Statement on this Order during plenary on 8 December 2009.