Part 5: Permits for automated passenger services Section 86: Consent requirement for services resembling buses
Where an automated passenger service resembles a local bus service for the purposes of section 2 of the Transport Act 1985 and a bus franchising scheme exists in the proposed area of operation under a permit, this section provides that the appropriate national authority may only grant a permit with the consent of each relevant franchising body. Obtaining the consent of each relevant franchising body prior to the appropriate national authority granting a permit may, for example, ensure that consideration is given to the bus routes, frequencies and running hours of the services under the existing franchising scheme.
	The responsibility of ensuring that the consent of each relevant franchising body is obtained will rest with the appropriate national authority. Failure of the relevant franchising body to respond within six weeks or to refuse consent without giving reasons, is deemed consent.
	Where an automated passenger service is proposed to operate under a permit in an area which sits outside any formal bus franchising scheme, the legislation does not place a consent requirement on appropriate national authorities.