Tag: Department for Transport

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 1 September 2023.

Transport Secretary meets with aviation industry ahead of next week’s NATS report into air traffic control failure.

This afternoon (1 September 2023), the Transport Secretary Mark Harper chaired another meeting regarding Monday’s air traffic control failure with NATS, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines, airports, trade bodies and Border Force.

He thanked the sector for their work to get operations back to normal and fly affected passengers to their destinations following the incident.

He noted the failure came during one of the busiest weeks of the year for aviation and that airlines have taken every step possible to increase capacity where possible, including adding extra flights and putting on larger aircraft.

Speaking after the meeting, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Airlines have reported that most customers affected by Monday’s air traffic control failure have reached their destinations and I’m grateful for the steps taken by the industry to help make this happen. The government continues to support those efforts in any way we can.

On Monday, the Civil Aviation Authority will receive NATS’ initial report into the incident, which the Aviation Minister and I will study with interest. Any next steps will be set out after the initial findings are published later in the week.

All parties are working hard to understand the incident and make sure passengers don’t face this kind of disruption again, and I will be supporting them in this effort.

NATS is currently undertaking a preliminary investigation into the technical failure. In line with the established regulatory processes, a report will be sent to the CAA on 4 September 2023 and shared with the Secretary of State for Transport shortly afterwards. The findings will be published by the CAA later in the week.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 30 August 2023.

Travel and navigation app providers encouraged to ensure new technology offering more streamlined journeys is accessible to all users.

Commuters will soon benefit from smarter travel apps that offer cheaper, safer and more accessible journeys, following new government guidance launched today (30 August 2023) to ensure travel and navigation apps benefit all users.

The government’s new Mobility as a Service (MaaS) code of practice for app developers and companies aims to ensure they offer more streamlined journeys for travellers and commuters while ensuring the technology is accessible to all.

Technology known as MaaS is already in use in apps such as Citymapper and Google Maps and aims to bring together data, such as timetabling or ticket prices, from multiple types of transport to offer streamlined choices to travellers all on one app.

The guidance encourages app platform providers to consider accessibility needs when suggesting routes, which could include outlining wheelchair-accessible routes and stations and providing step-free options for all journeys.

The guidance also recommends that app providers consider the personal safety of app users when suggesting routes. For example, apps should allow people to choose “main roads only” options for journeys, keeping to well-lit roads. Apps should also be able to share their live location with a contact while on the move.

Further recommendations include ensuring apps consider users in rural areas where internet connectivity could make accessing online journey planning difficult. As part of this, platforms are encouraged to include offline options, such as a phone number for ordering taxis or claiming compensation for delays.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said:

New technologies are transforming how we travel, making journeys easier for those with disabilities and connecting rural towns and villages better, among much else.

With the new code of practice, the Department for Transport (DfT) is encouraging app providers to make the most of the new technology, helping to ensure potentially vulnerable groups and communities are not left behind.

MaaS tech platforms can make journeys more convenient by bringing together planning and payment into one app and allowing people to tailor journeys to their specific needs. It is also hoped that this could lower the cost of journeys for travellers, by ensuring more choice and competition.

As the use of transport continues to change, with more people making use of public transport and rental bikes, the government is encouraging tech companies to develop platforms that bring together different types of transport into one easily accessible journey.

By helping to ensure smoother travel for people across the UK, this code of practice aims to help harness cutting-edge of transport technology, encouraging businesses and individuals to make the most of the new technology and helping to grow the economy.

Examples of MaaS platform operators already operating in the UK include Swift in the West Midlands. Now the largest smart ticketing scheme outside London, Swift cards can be used as a ticket for train, bus or tram services, as well as car parking and season tickets. The scheme has 190,000 active smartcard holders with 45 million journeys completed over the past 12 years.

In 2020, DfT also awarded funding to Solent Transport as part of its Future Transport Zones programme to develop a transport app for the region. The new app, Breeze, allows people on the south coast to plan, book and pay for all journeys, including public transport, cycling, e-scooters and ferries. It also provides information about how busy services are and suggests the greenest way to travel.

Conrad Haigh, Solent Transport Manager, said:

As the UK’s first multi-city MaaS app with integrated ticketing, Breeze is already proving popular across south Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with over 7,000 users inside its first 10 months of operation. Giving customers the travel information they need and bringing clarity to travel options are critical to the continued success of Breeze. Solent Transport is proud to be working closely with DfT, sharing what works and what doesn’t to improve access to transport services.

As a partnership of the local transport authorities for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, Solent Transport has a varied mix of transport services to integrate into Breeze and a blend of urban, semi-urban and rural environments to navigate.

With support from our academic partners the University of Portsmouth and University of Southampton, the Solent region offers the perfect testing ground to trial and evaluate effective delivery of a MaaS app.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 29 August 2023.

Airlines urged to support passengers while their flights are rearranged. Government to review the NATS report in the coming days.

This afternoon (29 August 2023), the Transport Secretary Mark Harper chaired a meeting on yesterday’s air traffic control disruption with NATS, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines, airports, trade bodies and Border Force.

While the technical failure was resolved quickly yesterday afternoon, the meeting was an opportunity for NATS to brief the industry on what went wrong and for airlines to provide the latest updates on their operations and the support they’re offering to passengers impacted by the disruption.

The Transport Secretary urged airlines to continue doing all they can to support passengers, increasing capacity by whatever means possible and ensuring customers have adequate welfare and accommodation while waiting for their rearranged flights.

Speaking after the meeting, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

I echo the apology offered by NATS to everyone caught up in the disruption following yesterday’s technical issue with air traffic control. My priority continues to be making sure passengers get where they need to be as quickly as possible.

I am grateful to airlines, airports and Border Force for the work being done to get passengers to their destinations and to provide support while they wait.

Airlines are clear about their responsibilities to their customers and I stand ready to provide further appropriate support from the government should the industry request it.

Although the air traffic control system is back up and running, the knock-on effects of yesterday’s disruption are likely to continue over the coming days. Passengers due to travel should check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

The Department for Transport has put in place temporary alleviations to allow night flights at those airports it regulates. Airline and airport chief executives outlined that we are likely to see a continuation of some disruption in the coming days as they get affected passengers to their destinations, and crew and aircraft to the right locations.

The Transport Secretary and Aviation Minister are being kept up to date with airlines and airports’ operations, and will be reviewing the report from NATS once it is delivered to the CAA in the coming days. The Transport Secretary offered the industry any other appropriate support needed from the government to help passengers and alleviate the ongoing disruption.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 23 August 2023.

Declan Collier will continue to play a central role in tackling the challenges facing the rail and road sectors.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has today (23 August 2023) announced the reappointment of Declan Collier as the Chair of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for a further 5-year term.

In his second term as Chair, Declan Collier will continue to drive forward the important work of the ORR, holding Network Rail and National Highways to account ensuring they deliver significant investments to improve our national infrastructure.

Over the course of his first term, Declan has provided the ORR Board with a strong sense of direction during a time of significant change and complexity for the transport sector, particularly during the pandemic by providing extensive expertise, support and challenge.

In his next term, which will commence on 1 January 2024, until 31 December 2028, Declan will continue to play a central role in tackling the challenges facing the rail and road sectors including ongoing reform across the rail network.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Declan has demonstrated himself to be an excellent Chair of ORR by challenging the industry to improve its focus on consumers, which is why I’m reappointing him for a second term.

He will continue to be a trusted source of advice to the Department for Transport on vital areas including how we’re reforming our railways, and playing an essential role in ensuring ORR continues to deliver on improving our roads and railways for all who use them.

Declan has previously held roles such as CEO of London City Airport and CEO of Dublin Airports Authority, as well as being appointed to the expert advisory panel of Active Travel England, which has given him the extensive transport and business experience to exceed in his role as Chair of ORR.

Declan Collier, ORR Chair:

I am proud to be reappointed Chair of the Office of Rail and Road. My first term has seen seismic challenges for the rail and road sectors, with ORR playing a key part in overseeing the recovery from the pandemic. I look forward to continuing this important role at such a time of change for the rail and road sectors.

Declan Collier was first appointed in 2018 following an open competition conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing held by the Transport Select Committee.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 3 August 2023.

Campaign reminds people of important changes to the Highway Code.

A government campaign has re-launched today (3 August 2023) helping to improve road safety for all by reminding people to Travel Like You Know Them.

The relaunch of the THINK! campaign offers a snapshot into the lives of others, aiming to help people see beyond the mode of transport and improve understanding of how others see and use the road.

The campaign speaks to everyone who uses the road, with an emphasis on those who have a greater responsibility to reduce the risk they may pose to others.

The Highway Code was changed in 2022, following extensive consultation with walking, cycling and disability groups on the proposed changes in 2020.

People are again being encouraged to:

• give priority at junctions to people cycling straight ahead and people waiting to cross or already crossing the road
• pass horse riders at under 10mph and allow at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing people walking on the road
• leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
• remember that people cycling may ride 2 abreast or in the centre of the lane if it is safer to do so, pulling in when safe to allow vehicles to overtake

Roads Minister, Richard Holden said:

We have some of the safest roads in the world and will continue to strive to improve road safety for all users.

It is fantastic that the Travel Like You Know Them campaign is back to continue to raise awareness of these important changes and to change behaviour on our roads to help keep those more at risk safe.

The campaign relaunch comes following the government injecting another £47.5 million of safer roads funding in April, so that local authorities with some of the most dangerous local roads across England have the support they need to keep everyone safe. To date, the Safer Road Fund has provided £147.5 million to local authorities for schemes to improve local A roads. With sophisticated mapping now available, the government is able to estimate that the work funded by the Safer Road Fund will save around 1,450 people from being killed or seriously injured on our roads over the next 20 years.

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK chief executive said:

The Travel Like You Know Them campaign challenges the false binaries that people are either motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, when the reality is most of us are a combination of all 3.

It breaks down tribal mentality that can stoke tension on our roads, making them more dangerous for us all. It should be applauded and Cycling UK is pleased to see government continue to highlight the important Highway Code changes designed to make cycling and walking safer.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

Drivers, cyclists, pedestrians – whatever labels we use, at the end of the day we’re all humans getting from A to B and this campaign reminds us all, in a very personal way, of the responsibilities we have for looking after each other. Every casualty on our roads is one too many and we hope all road users take the time to remind themselves of what they should be doing differently following last year’s major changes to the Highway Code.

Antony Kildare, Chief Executive at IAM RoadSmart, said:

Since the new Highway Code changes were rolled out, there has been further need of an educational campaign to ensure the amendments are disseminated and fully adopted by the millions of existing drivers, motorcyclists and other road users.

As a road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart believes a relaunch of the Travel Like You Know Them campaign that encourages motorists to think of others, and that aims to influence behavioural change may prevent people from taking unnecessary and uniformed risks.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 3 August 2023.

Improvements to A38 Bromsgrove will reduce journey times and boost connectivity for residents in the West Midlands.

Residents in the West Midlands will benefit from reduced road congestion and a boost to the local economy and jobs, with work soon starting on crucial upgrades to the A38 Bromsgrove corridor.

Today (3 August 2023), the Department of Transport (DfT) has confirmed that construction on the upgrades will start in the coming weeks to radically improve the A38 Bromsgrove, reducing journey times, creating new opportunities for cycling and walking and boosting connections to Birmingham, Bristol and Gloucester.

The scheme – backed by £43 million in government funding – will deliver major upgrades on a 4 mile stretch of the A38 between M42 Junction 1 to the north and the junction of A38 with B4094 Worcester Road in the south. These upgrades will focus on improvements at key junctions to prevent bottleneck and improve traffic flow to reduce journey times.

The upgrades are expected to support over 1,100 new local jobs and 5,500 new homes, generating over £93 million in economic benefits for Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

Thanks to our £43 million investment, these crucial upgrades will help reduce severe traffic congestion and poor connectivity for residents in Bromsgrove and Worcestershire, while making it easier to cycle and walk in Worcestershire.

With work set to begin in the coming weeks, these improvements will bolster the local economy through new jobs and homes, while making journeys quicker and smoother for people to get around the area.

The junction improvements will reduce journey times for local buses, making bus services more reliable and punctual. Real-time passenger information will be installed at bus stops along the route to provide passengers with live updates and help them plan their journey, as the government continues to encourage bus use with over £3.5 billion invested since 2020 to protect routes, improve services and reduce the price of bus tickets.

Local residents will also benefit from improved walking and cycling facilities thanks to a new cycle and pedestrian corridor running parallel to the A38. New crossings will make it easier to access the wider local cycle network, improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians, provide more options for active travel and support the drive to net zero.

The total cost of the scheme is £49.8 million, with DfT committing to provide just over £43 million and Worcestershire County Council providing the rest of the funding.

The upgrades are vital to tackle congestion across the A38 and grow the economy in the region by boosting local connectivity. The A38 has been affected by slow traffic flow at key junctions and severe congestion during the weekday rush hour, affecting local residents’ ability to get around.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills at the County Council, said:

I am delighted that our A38 project has received the funding boost from government that it hugely deserves.

With over £43 million awarded by DfT, we’ll be able to help improve everyday journeys around Bromsgrove and ease traffic for people, as well as boosting the local economy.

Following this announcement, I am pleased to say that contactors will be appointed shortly and work will begin on the improvements later this year.

The project is the latest in a series of government investments to boost local transport infrastructure, including £5.7 billion for future local transport projects across England, as part of the Prime Minister’s plan to grow the economy.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 2 August 2023.

Hydrogen-fueled airport vehicles and supermarket delivery trucks could provide greener and more efficient journeys.

Airports and supermarket deliveries could become greener and more efficient thanks to a £8 million government competition to support hydrogen-powered transport in the North East, grow the economy and create jobs.

The Transport Secretary has today (2 August 2023) announced 2 winning projects of the second phase of the competition, encouraging more businesses and innovators to develop new technology that uses hydrogen fuel to accelerate transport decarbonisation.

One project led by ULEMCo, receiving a share of the £8 million funding, will develop hydrogen-powered airport ground-based support vehicles, such as tow trucks for aeroplanes and sweepers to clean runways. This will be based at Teesside international airport, which will help the airport reach its goal of being net zero by 2030.

Another of the winning projects led by Element 2 aims to create new hydrogen refuelling stations, helping to provide the infrastructure needed to scale up the use of hydrogen as a fuel. This funding will create 4 new publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations, increasing the number of refuelling stations in the UK by 50%. These will be used to fuel a range of vehicles, from airside vehicles to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), including supermarket delivery trucks.

Today’s announcement also confirms £300,000 delivered directly to colleges in the area to support upskilling the local workforce and foster a specialised skills base and pipeline of talent, further cementing the Tees Valley’s status as the home of hydrogen.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Hydrogen technology has great potential to decarbonise transport and help grow the economy.

Today’s winners illustrate the expertise the Tees Valley has as a pioneer in developing hydrogen tech. This investment will provide a further boost to the economy, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the North East.

This funding brings the UK closer to decarbonising some of the heavier and more complex vehicles, such as airside operations, which will be essential in reaching net zero. Already used in buses across the country, hydrogen fuel cells create no harmful exhaust emissions. Greater use of hydrogen could help grow the UK economy with a transport system that is resilient to global energy prices, environmentally friendly and could see the creation of thousands of skilled jobs.

Today’s funding also marks the continued growth of the UK’s only hydrogen transport hub, attracting even more innovation, investment and jobs to the Tees Valley. The competition invited ideas on how to overcome some of the challenges of scaling-up hydrogen technology, such as refuelling on a large scale and making the region’s supply chain greener with hydrogen-fuelled vans and HGVs.

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, said:

We’re working hard to make Teesside an airport people can be proud of – and that doesn’t just mean flying to the destinations people love. It’s about acting responsibly, for the good of our local people and businesses and the future of our planet.

This hydrogen refuelling station does just that, by proving this new technology is safe and reliable, and can be used across all sorts of applications. This makes it clear Teesside is helping to pioneer both the aviation industry and the clean energy sector.

This is the second round of government competition funding for the Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub following the first round, which focused on developing hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The first competition saw over £2.6 million awarded to various winners to deploy 21 hydrogen-powered vehicles. One of the winners was Toyota, which provided hydrogen vehicles for local police forces, and Hydrogen Vehicle Systems, which developed a hydrogen-powered van for large supermarkets to deliver largescale groceries.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:

We were one of the first areas to trial hydrogen fuels and this is continuing to pay off as we’ve been successful in securing this permanent refuelling station.

Our airport and, indeed, our whole region continues to be at the forefront of the UK’s net zero ambitions and this hydrogen station is another step forward to supporting the cleaner, healthier and safer industries of tomorrow. It backs up everything we’re doing in our low-carbon journey, including supporting the production and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel – one of the biggest issues facing the industry right now.

The aim to have Teesside airport operationally net zero by 2030 is only the beginning. We’re still pioneering offshore, carbon capture and renewable technologies over at Teesworks, to truly cement Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool as the place to do business in innovative and clean technologies.

Since the Hub was launched in 2020, the Tees Valley region has benefited from millions in government funding and private investment. Recent forecasts have estimated that by 2030, the hydrogen sector could support over 12,000 jobs nationally and unlock over £9 billion in private investment.

Innovate UK Executive Director for Net Zero, Mike Biddle, said:

Today’s announcement of these new projects in the Tees Valley further adds to our significant partnership with DfT to accelerate new technologies to decarbonise transport. This includes nearly £300 million of investment from DfT via Innovate UK in transport decarbonisation across maritime, heavy goods vehicles and hydrogen.

Place-based innovation like this is vital to invigorate local economies like the Tees Valley. These projects are an important investment to decarbonise transport and a boost for local innovation, investment, skills and business growth.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 31 July 2023.

Multi-million-pound Portway Park and Ride station will provide easier access to jobs and businesses in Bristol and the South West.

Passengers in Bristol will benefit from easier access to jobs and businesses as Transport Secretary Mark Harper officially opens a new railway station near Avonmouth today (31 July 2023).

The multi-million-pound Portway Park and Ride station, backed by both government and local authority funding, will be the first station to open in Bristol in almost a century.

As of tomorrow, regular services will run from the accessible, single-platform station 7 days a week along the Severn Beach railway line, taking passengers into the city centre of Bristol in just 24 minutes.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Today’s opening of Portway Park and Ride Station is the latest example of this government’s plan to invest in infrastructure and grow the economy.

It will provide a boost to Bristol and its surrounding area by improving local transport links while connecting passengers to business hubs and thousands of high-skilled job opportunities.

Managed by Great Western Railway (GWR), the new station will ease congestion on local roads and provide an additional transport option for the 9,000 people who work in the surrounding area.

It will also support local growth by improving access to the Avonmouth and Temple Quarter Enterprise Zones, which are expected to create 31,000 new jobs by 2050.

Marvin Rees Mayor of Bristol said:

I am incredibly proud and delighted to open Bristol’s first railway station in 96 years. Portway Park and Ride station will offer local people and commuters an efficient and sustainable travel option. Having boosted the number of free parking spaces at our park and ride site, it offers commuters more options to park up and catch a train or the bus.

Completion of the railway station highlights our commitment to developing modern and accessible travel solutions. As we look toward a future of improved connectivity through a mass transit system, Portway Park and Ride is a key step on our journey towards a better connected Bristol and South West.

We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our project partners and eagerly anticipate the positive impact this station will have on our city.

Portway Park and Ride Station marks Britain’s 2,577th railway station and follows closely on the heels of the opening of Marsh Barton station in the South West earlier this month, also opened by the Transport Secretary. The opening forms the latest in the government’s drive to invest in infrastructure to grow the economy and boost connectivity across the UK.

Marcus Jones, Network Rail Western Route Director, said:

This announcement marks an important milestone in our efforts to transform rail travel for our passengers in and around Bristol and the wider West of England area.

I’d like to thank our partners in the project – Bristol City Council, the West of England Combined Authority and GWR – for their hard work and dedication in bringing this new station to the city. We hope that passengers from Bristol and beyond will experience the benefits that this new station will bring for years to come.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said:

Passengers are pleased that the new Portway Park and Ride Railway Station is opening – the first new station built in this incredible city since the Roaring 20s.

Delivering for local people is what our multi-million-pound Reverse Beeching programme is all about.

This is undoubtedly a good day for Bristolians and the West of England region, and I’m proud it’s been made possible by a substantial £3 million-plus investment from my West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

But this is just the beginning. We need to press ahead with work to give even more residents access to new stations as we strive to meet our ambitious West of England net-zero-by-2030 targets.

Joe Graham, Business Assurance and Strategy Director at Great Western Railway, said:

We are delighted that services will be operating from the new Portway Park and Ride station. It will offer customers regular trains to and from Bristol Temple Meads twice an hour with a journey time of 25 minutes.

Situated alongside the M5, this new station will provide a great alternative for those travelling into Bristol city centre or wanting to connect with the wider rail network.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 July 2023.

Independent review will ensure that DVLA can continue to provide a licensing service to motorists and the public.

The government has today (25 July 2023) launched an independent review of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) so that it can continue to provide excellent customer-focused digital services to keep drivers and vehicles on the road simply, safely and efficiently.

With over 50 million driver records and more than 40 million vehicle records, the DVLA maintains the correct registration and licensing of millions of drivers while protecting data and tackling vehicle tax evasion.

DVLA also collects £7 billion in vehicle excise duty (VED) annually on behalf of HM Treasury and is a net contributor to government finances, raising more than £260 million in 2022-23 for HM Treasury and the Department for Transport (DfT) through the sale and processing of personalised registrations and transfers.

The review will assess DVLA based on the 4 pillars set by the Cabinet Office of efficiency, efficacy, accountability and governance. Further detail on areas the review will cover can be found in the terms of reference.

Janette Beinart, non-executive director of the Cabinet Office and National Highways and previously Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer at Shell International, has been appointed to lead the review with support from DfT officials. The review is expected to conclude this winter.

Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

DVLA plays a crucial role in making sure drivers and vehicles can get around legally, safely and with confidence, giving drivers peace of mind by storing their records safely and tackling vehicle tax evasion.

With over 80% of all transactions now being carried out online, this review will help us understand how the DVLA can continue to grow from strength to strength and how we can support it to become more digital to efficiently serve the increasingly digitally savvy driver.

The review will also assess how DVLA works with its wide range of stakeholders within and outside of government to help keep Britain’s roads safe.

DVLA Non-Executive Chair, Lesley Cowley OBE, said:

Our customers remain at the heart of everything we do at DVLA and we welcome this review as an opportunity to highlight our commitment to delivering world-class services, our role in keeping Britain’s roads safe, and the continued hard work and dedication of our over 6,000 staff.

It comes at an important time for DVLA, as we continue to launch new digital services and set ambitious targets for the future, as a forward thinking, dynamic organisation.

We look forward to working closely with the government in support of this review over the coming weeks and months.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 24 July 2023.

UK and French governments agree to join forces to improve conditions for seafarers with the new Seafarers’ Charter.

Thousands of seafarers will be guaranteed fair wages, proper rest periods and suitable training thanks to a new Seafarers’ Charter launched by the UK government today (24 July 2023).

Building on government action already taken, the charter – backed by DFDS Ferries, Condor Ferries, Brittany Ferries and Stena – is part of the government’s wider Nine-point plan to protect seafarers and boost employment protections, ensuring they’re paid and treated fairly – irrespective of flag or nationality.

This is at the heart of the UK’s response to P&O Ferries’ appalling decision to fire nearly 800 of its staff without consultation or notice last year.

The UK government’s charter will be launched alongside a similar initiative by the French government during a visit by Maritime Minister Baroness Vere to Paris today to meet her counterpart Minister Berville.

Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said:

Fair pay and protection against unlawful discrimination are the basic rights of any employee. Our seafarers deserve nothing less.

I therefore expect companies across the maritime sector to sign up to this Charter, letting their staff know they’re serious about protecting their rights and welfare.

Today, in Paris, alongside Minister Berville, we strengthen our commitment to protect those working in the Channel and we’ll continue collaborating with our international partners on this vital issue.

During the UK-France summit in Paris earlier this year, Transport Secretary Mark Harper met his French counterpart Clément Beaune, with both nations agreeing to continue working together to improve conditions for those working in the Channel.

The government has already delivered the Seafarers’ Wages Act, a key safeguard to protecting domestic seafarers in the UK. The law will make it illegal to not pay the thousands of seafarers regularly entering the UK at least the equivalent of the UK National Minimum Wage.

The Seafarers’ Charter requires employers to:

• pay seafarers for overtime at a rate of a least 1.25 times the basic hourly rate
• ensure adequate training and development is provided
• provide employees with a full, indefinite contract
• allow seafarers to receive social security benefits, including sickness benefits, family benefits, and medical care
• adopt roster patterns considering fatigue, mental health and safety
• provide adequate rest periods between shifts and rosters
• carry out regular drug and alcohol testing

As well as the Seafarers’ Wages Act and the Charter, strong action has been taken against rogue employers using controversial practices which was revealed in the plans to create a statutory code of practice​.

The code will make it explicitly clear to employers that they must not use threats of dismissal to pressurise employees into accepting new terms, and they should have honest and open discussions with their employees and representatives.

John Napton, CEO, Condor Ferries, said:

Condor Ferries is a proud and responsible employer, dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for all staff and crew across our network. We therefore fully support the Seafarers’ Charter being launched by the UK government today.

Christophe Mathieu, Brittany Ferries CEO, said:

When it comes to seafarers’ wages and working conditions, we believe that all ferry companies should aim for the highest bar and not participate in a race to the bottom.

That’s why this charter is such an important step forward for us. We never forget the importance of seafarers and are proud to be part of the fight to protect their rights, on both sides of the Channel. We also intend to shout about this from the rooftops, urging freight and passenger customers to make the right decision when choosing a carrier.

Gemma Griffin MBE, Vice President and Head of Global Crewing, DFDS, said:

DFDS welcomes the Seafarers’ Charter and any related legislation that protects the employment rights of seafarers and ensures that there is a level playing field for all operators.  We have been cooperating with the French and UK authorities on the practical application of the charter and the new laws, and are very pleased to see the actions taken by both authorities, so far.