Explanatory note

This Order makes provision consequent on the establishment of the Department of Transport and the conferment on the Secretary of State for Transport of functions in relation to highways, road traffic, road and rail transport, ports, docks and harbours, and other matters. It provides for the transfer from the Secretary of State for the Environment to the Secretary of State for Transport of—

1. (i)

   functions under certain specified Acts,

2. (ii)

   functions under various instruments and local Acts, and

3. (iii)

   property, rights and liabilities,

all of which relate to the functions conferred on the Secretary of State for Transport on the establishment of his Department (Articles 1 and 2).

The Order also provides (Article 3 and Schedule 2) for certain functions of the Secretary of State in relation to highway schemes and orders to be exercised jointly with the planning Minister (that is to say the Secretary of State for the time being having general responsibility in planning matters).

Supplemental, consequential and ancillary provisions are contained in Articles 4 to 7 and Schedules 3 and 4.