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Local Transport Bill [HL] Bill

On this matter, as on earlier ones, Her Majesty’s Opposition have very properly probed the Government’s reasons for particular provisions in the Bill. However, I question the point of this amendment. I am not sure whether it is meant to limit what is provided for in the Bill. The noble Lord, Lord Hanningfield, seemed to be glad that an authority may replace its plans as it thinks fit, as distinct from the five-year restriction that has existed until now. Is the phrase, "““having regard to changing transport need within their area””," stating the obvious? Or perhaps it is meant to be restrictive of the phrase, "““replace their plan as they think fit””." On the second part of the amendment— "““The plan must have an initial specified length of operation””—" what is the point of a provision that seems to restrict the Bill’s intention that the authority may replace the plan as it thinks fit? Several of the noble Lord’s amendments have been designed to provide greater flexibility from the bottom-up but this one seems to restrict flexibility.