Home Office releases new HOTA submissions guidance

10/12/2024 | DOMINIC BROWNE

Home Office releases new HOTA submissions guidance

The Home Office has published new Submissions Guidance for the Home Office Type Approval process - the regulatory regime for ensuring ITS technology is suitable for enforcement and other uses on UK roads.

Industry insiders have said the changes appear to be 'minor' and as this is updated guidance it doesn’t present major changes to the process itself, which has been criticised as overly cumbersome and inefficient.

ITS UK said in a statement that none of the changes are currently mandated but the Home Office 'would encourage undertaking them because of the benefits they bring to the HOTA participants'.

These benefits include adding a sample record to the user manual and adding the model name and model number to the calibration certificate.

The Home Office responded to specific points raised in the information gathering process this summer and gave the following feedback to industry:

  • Where possible indicative timescales were added for Home Office and Dstl activities to assist manufacturers.
  • The Home Office said it had looked to introduce flexibility into Stage 2 so that exemptions from testing, alternative evidence and proportionate testing can each be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Where a Stage 3 submission cannot be accepted the Home Office has offered some next steps for the applicant.
  • With regards to stock inventory (D3) there was a lack of clarity over whether industry felt a minimum of one year was too little. The guidance requests that the device should have longevity and an adequate reserve of stock should facilitate this. The Home Office asked for further information on this, which could be captured for consideration in the next document iteration.
  • D16: The end user documentation/manual (only) is considered to be a public document but the other documentation is not.
  • Queries about IP67 are addressed in the published FAQ document.

Max Sugarman, chief executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK, the industry trade body, told Highways: 'The revised guidance and FAQs from the Home Office is a positive first step in improving the Home Office Type Approval process. In particular, the fact that the industry now has indicative timeframes for applications is valuable in providing a better understanding and clarity around the process.

'We now need to build on this work, looking at the remaining issues around acceptance for small modifications, the dual use of devices and the need for continued engagement and dialogue between Dstl and suppliers, so that there is a greater understanding of how innovative new technology can be approved.'

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW