16
TRAMS
Colin Robey, UKTram Centre of Excellence Chair, explains about the progress made in simplifying planning and design processes
A
Centre of Excellence removing barriers to light rail growth
team of experts, brought together by light rail’s representative body, is helping to drive the expansion of the sector by addressing the fundamental challenges faced by organisations planning future projects. Over the past year, members of the UKTram Centre of Excellence (CoE) have made huge strides towards the identification of ways to simplify planning and design processes, working closely with colleagues from across the sector and the Department for Transport (DfT). Made up of sector experts who give their time on a voluntary basis, the CoE also includes members of other UKTram working groups representing light rail engineers, operators, safety experts and owners. Its Chair, Colin Robey, explained: “When the group was founded around four years ago, there was concern throughout the sector about a lack of new tramway proposals coming forward, alongside a recognition that there are very complicated processes to go through, even before the planning and design phases. “In response to this, we therefore formed a small group to formulate a ‘route map’ in the form of a flow chart format with links to refer to all the different documents required, which makes the process much simpler. “It was soon realised, however, that a ‘pre-route map’ was also required for scheme promotors to help assess the viability of proposed schemes at the very earliest stages. “This has been developed in the form of a straightforward questionnaire, with nine questions with model answers. If the intended sponsor can answer most of the questions correctly, then it is worth giving further consideration to the scheme as a light rail project, and the CoE will then offer initial advice and guidance. “This process has been designed to prevent significant spending on design work for schemes that may ultimately fail to be given the go-ahead as a light rail project. “During the development of the Pre-Route Map, the DfT requested that we consider combining this questionnaire with its own Early Assessment and Sifting Tool document (EAST). However, after a number of iterations, it was agreed that this was not feasible, and instead the Pre-Route Map would make reference to the DfT document and emphasise the need to complete this vital assessment.”
During the development of both the Route Map and Pre-Route Map, CoE members also became aware of issues around the Transport and Works Act (TWA) Order ‘Model Clauses’ and their use. As part of the complex statutory processes
associated with developing new light rail projects, these Model Clauses used within the TWA Orders provide the legal authority required by the promoter for the scheme, giving them the ‘powers’ needed to build, operate and maintain a tramway.
December 2023
016-017_UKTRAM_RDDEC23.indd 16
11/12/2023 16:25