Commentary on Sections Specific provision for Wales and for London
198.The provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1991 which first introduced DPE were first laid before Parliament in a form which applied only to London. Since that Act was passed, London has taken the lead in civil enforcement both in terms of the volume of enforcement and (further to local legislation) in terms of the number and type of contraventions enforceable and the manner of their enforcement. Given the established and integrated mechanisms, functions and procedures in this area which the London boroughs, Transport for London, and the Mayor already have, separate provision for London is made throughout Part 6.
199.In respect of Wales, the Secretary of State’s power to make an order establishing an area for DPE under the Road Traffic Act 1991 has been transferred to the National Assembly for Wales; and under the Transport Act 2000, the regulation-making powers establishing the civil enforcement of bus lanes have similarly been conferred on the Assembly. Following this precedent, Part 6 consistently provides for regulation and order making powers to be conferred on the National Assembly for Wales, in respect of Wales.