Commentary Part 2: Transport Section 17: Restrictions on disposal of land: method of giving consent
46.Section 17 of the Act amends section 163 of the GLA Act 1999. Section 163 provides that TfL cannot dispose of operational land such as railway or tramway lines or stations, either through freehold sale or lease of over 50 years, without the consent of the Secretary of State. That consent must currently be given by means of an order made by statutory instrument. This section amends that requirement so that only the written approval of the Secretary of State is required.