To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the primary legislation she plans to introduce in 2021/22.

As you know, my Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill, which will increase the limit of loan and grant provision available to sea ports, completed its Final Stage in the Assembly on 25 January 2021. I had hoped to progress an Active Travel Bill during this Assembly mandate to enhance duties in respect of developing active travel routes and provide powers to grant fund active travel activities. However, given the pressures presented by the current pandemic and the limited Assembly time available to progress primary legislation this will not be possible and I have no plans at this time to introduce any further Bills during 2021/22.

I am also progressing a number of pieces of subordinate legislation – including provision to address the increasing problem of mobile phone use by drivers and also the introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at a further 100 schools. The first piece of mobile phone legislation will increase the fixed penalty fine for using a mobile phone whilst driving from £60 to £200. The second, which is subject to affirmative resolution procedure in the Assembly, will increase the number of penalty points for the illegal use of mobile phones from three to six. I hope to be in a position to implement these increased deterrents in the coming weeks, subject to the usual Assembly approval processes. The consultation period on the legislation required to introduce part-time 20 mph speed limits at a further 100 schools completed on 29 December 2020. I will now consider the draft legislation, after which, a SL1 will be sent to the Committee for Infrastructure for its consideration and the draft legislation can then be made.

In addition, as a member of the Committee for Infrastructure, you will be aware that a significant part of my Department’s legislative programme involves the development of routine subordinate legislation in key areas such as rail, ports, planning, transport, roads and driving. This legislation is required to address issues such as Brexit, Road Safety and Roads management, and the planning process, which generate an ongoing need for legislative change. I am also exploring a number of additional areas for legislative change that can be advanced within the period remaining before the end of the mandate.