About the Department

The Transport Department of the Velocity Interoperability Network is responsible for the movement of people and goods across the Velocity Interoperability Network. It designates and maintains the routes that connect member sites, timetables the services that run on them, issues transport permits to those who carry goods or passengers on them, and sets the conditions under which traffic on the Network is conducted.

The Department was established on 6 September 2026. Before that date each member organisation of the Network made its own arrangements for the routes serving its sites: there was no common classification of routes, no shared timetable and no single permit recognised across the Network. The Department brings those functions together so that an operator holding one permit may move between the sites of different members under one set of conditions, and so that the routes are inspected and maintained to a common standard.

Responsibilities. The Department's work falls into six areas.

Designating routes

Routes between member sites are designated by order of the Department and assigned to one of four classes. Ten routes extending to 260 kilometres were designated on establishment.

Timetabling services

The Department timetables scheduled passenger services on trunk and regional routes and allocates goods paths to permit holders. The first timetables come into force on 7 September 2026.

Issuing permits

Transport permits authorise the carriage of goods or passengers for hire on designated routes and the movement of heavy or hazardous goods by members on their own account. Sixteen permits were in force at establishment.

Keeping the register of permits

Every permit in force is recorded in a public register showing the holder, the routes covered, the traffic authorised and the expiry date.

Setting the conditions of traffic

The Department sets the general conditions that apply to all traffic and the limits on speed, weight and hours that apply to each class of route, and inquires into incidents.

Maintaining the routes

The Department inspects every designated route, repairs defects, carries out planned works and issues the closure, speed restriction and diversion notices that traffic must follow.

How the Department works. The Department acts by order and by notice. Routes are designated, and their class fixed, by a designating order, which also names the traffic permitted on a Class D restricted route. Changes to timetables, conditions and the state of routes are made by notice published in the Newsroom and sent by email to the permit holders affected. Where a change restricts traffic, at least fourteen days' notice is given except in an emergency. Decisions on permits are given in writing with reasons, and any decision may be reviewed at the request of the person affected.

The Department works closely with the Defence Department and with Emergency Services, whose vehicles use designated routes under their own authority, and with every member organisation whose sites the routes serve. Member organisations are consulted before a route serving their sites is designated, retimed or closed for planned works.

The steps that led to the Department's establishment are described on the History page. General enquiries may be sent to contact@transport.gov.vin.