The new Local Transport Bill will provide the most significant changes to community transport regulation in 30 years, according to the Community Transport Association (CTA).

This should come as good news to community transport groups, as the bill appears to provide for greater freedom and choice, with increased flexibility and powers to deliver a better service, said the CTA. This includes the ability to hire professional drivers, rather than strictly relying on volunteers.

Speaking of the bill, CTA chief executive Keith Halstead said: “When implemented it will enable community transport operators to sustain and deliver new services to the most disadvantaged members of society in both rural and urban areas. Along with the recently launched social enterprise action plan, the bill shows the government’s commitment to supporting a far more enterprising community transport sector.”

Speaking at the CTA’s annual event, minister of state for transport, Rosie Winterton, said: “We are on course for enhancing community transport initiatives even more in the future. The increased flexibility we’re proposing should help better match the rules and regulations to the needs of the third sector without excessive red tape.”

For full information on the bill, visit www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localtransportbill