Part 12: Miscellaneous Section 244: Road user charging schemes in London Effect
This section amends Schedule 23 to the GLAA to enable London borough councils to opt out of certain road user charging schemes provided that they meet specified conditions.
	Subsection (2) defines "national obligations" for the purposes of this section.
	Subsection (3) inserts paragraphs 3A and 3B into Schedule 23 to the GLAA. Paragraph 3A applies to any proposal where TfL propose to significantly vary an existing road user charging scheme or to create a new scheme where the purpose, or one of the purposes, is the improvement of air quality.
	Where paragraph 3A applies a relevant London borough council may give notice to TfL and the Secretary of State that it wishes to opt out of the scheme.
	A relevant London borough council will only be eligible to opt out if it has complied with duties imposed under or by virtue of the Environment Act 1995. This means that no part of the council’s area should be designated as an air quality management area. Alternatively, where part of the council’s area is so designated, the council must have an alternative plan, approved by the Secretary of State, in order to be eligible to opt out.
	Paragraph 3B sets out the procedure for the Secretary of State to review and approve any alternative plans put forward by London borough councils for the improvement of air quality. It also confers a power of direction upon the Mayor of London to secure the implementation of alternative plans, where required.
	Subsections (4) and (5) make changes to Schedule 23 consequential upon the changes under subsection (3).
	Subsection (6) inserts paragraph 4A into Schedule 23. Paragraph 4A confers an intervention power upon the Secretary of State which may be exercised within sixty days of the publication of any revised order by TfL to prevent any inconsistencies with national policies or obligations relating to air quality.
	Subsections (7) and (8) make further changes consequential upon the changes under the preceding subsections.