theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_999
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many days each Minister in her Department has worked in (a) Departmental offices and (b) Government hubs outside London since 5 July 2024. \p Mike Kane: The Department for Transport does not hold specific information regarding how many days DfT Ministers have worked in departmental offices and government hubs outside of London since 5 July 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department is taking steps to reduce aviation carbon emissions by (a) introducing frequent flier levies and (b) reducing the use of domestic short haul flights where train alternatives exist. \p Mike Kane: The government is committed to delivering greener transport, supporting its missions to make Britain a clean energy superpower and kickstart economic growth.

We have already made significant strides to decarbonise the aviation sector including through the introduction of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate, legislating for a Revenue Certainty Mechanism to encourage investment in UK SAF production, and delivering a modernised airspace to help make flights more efficient and greener.

A frequent flyer levy is a taxation issue which is a matter for the Treasury. In the last Budget, the Chancellor announced changes to Air Passenger Duty (APD), which is the principal tax on the aviation sector. This included a 13% increase in APD rates for 2026/27 and a further 50% increase for larger private and business jets. APD generates revenue that funds government priorities, including tackling climate change.

Domestic air travel in the UK is vital for supporting jobs, trade and investment, and ensures regional connectivity. Alongside being a gateway to international opportunities, domestic flights help maintain social and family ties and strengthen the bonds between the four nations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Daniel Francis:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to develop real time information on the availability of accessibility to public transport for disabled passengers. \p Simon Lightwood: Accessibility and inclusivity are key considerations for the government as we seek to deliver against our key missions, including removing barriers to opportunity and delivering safer streets. The government wants disabled people to be able to travel easily, confidently, and with dignity, and we recognise the role of accurate and up-to-date information in making this possible.

The rail industry provides both static and real-time information to customers through a variety of channels. For example, live lift information and the location of accessible toilet facilities can be accessed via the National Rail Accessibility Map, as well as via the information and live-updates pages on the National Rail Enquiries website. The government also supports programmes such as Smarter Information, Smart Journeys which is working to ensure more information is available for customers on things like where BSL is available at stations, whether there are toilets on board trains and the live location of rail replacement transport.

The Department is undertaking discovery work to capture accessibility assets at bus stops within the National Public Transport Access Nodes (NaPTAN). NaPTAN is also introducing rail replacement data as a priority to align with the expiration of coach operator exemptions from the Accessible Information Regulations which will expire on 31 July 2026.

The Department also launched the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group in November 2024, bringing together industry and consumer representatives, to consider the barriers to air travel for disabled passengers and to develop practical and achievable actions to improve aviation accessibility across the consumer journey.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions her Department has had with (a) local authorities and (b) transport groups on the potential implementation of proposed rail reform proposals in Wiltshire. \p Simon Lightwood: In February, the Department for Transport launched an eight-week consultation “A railway fit for Britain’s future”. As part of that, a webinar event was held for stakeholders to come and ask questions. Further detailed discussions were held with sub national transport groups and community rail.

The Department plans to use the publication of the Government’s response to that consultation to set out next steps for rail reform.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2024 to Questions 51723 and 51724 on Active Travel: Construction, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of using compulsory purchase orders to progress active travel routes; and if he will collate data on how many local authorities have used compulsory purchase orders for this purpose. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department currently has no plans to make an assessment of the effectiveness of compulsory purchase order powers in progressing active travel schemes or produce a centralised record of their use by local authorities.

Compulsory purchase for active travel has a high bar with a requirement for public authorities to demonstrate a compelling case in the public interest. An alternative approach to creating new active travel routes is public path creation under the Highways Act 1980, rather than outright purchase of the land through a compulsory acquistion. Active Travel England will set out further guidance on a range of approaches to establishing rural active travel routes in the Design Guidance that will be published later in the year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure South Western Railway services remain efficient during the transition to Great British Railways in the Surrey Heath constituency. \p Simon Lightwood: South Western Railway (SWR) services transferred into public ownership on 25 May. This was a watershed moment in our work to return the railways to the service of passengers. The Department will hold the new publicly owned SWR to account through the new services agreement for operations. This will be under the leadership of Lawrence Bowman who as Managing Director will bring infrastructure and SWR operations closer together to ensure that services remain efficient and deliver value for taxpayers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the document entitled Guidance to support local authorities in the design and delivery of active travel routes will be published; and whether this guidance will include the use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers for active travel routes. \p Simon Lightwood: ATE is developing specific guidance for good practice application in rural areas and expects to publish this later this year. Officers in ATE are currently seeking the input of stakeholders on the document, and the current draft includes case studies on the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders for active travel routes.

Compulsory purchase orders has a high bar with a requirement for public authorities to demonstrate a compelling case in the public interest. An alternative approach to creating new active travel routes is public path creation under the Highways Act 1980, rather than outright purchase of the land through a CPO.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1006
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of upgrading to 5G infrastructure across the rail network on the economy. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department continues to work closely with Network Rail and industry to explore solutions to improve connectivity on trains, which includes rolling out rail 5G on passenger trains.

We are also exploring the feasibility of satellite connectivity to improve passenger mobile connectivity. This will rely on the outcome of the spending review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has imposed contractual penalties on South Western Railway in relation to the time taken to deploy the Class 701 trains. \p Simon Lightwood: My Department have not imposed contractual penalties on First MTR South Western Railway Trains Limited in relation to the time taken to deploy the Class 701 trains. I am extremely disappointed with how long the Class 701 introduction has taken and the Secretary of State and Rail Minister met with the former private sector owners to challenge them.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 38420 on Railways: Fylde, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of linking fare increases to improvements in (a) service quality and (b) reliability across different regions. \p Simon Lightwood: A proportionate, annual increase in fares is necessary to support crucial investment and to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the railway.

Regarding performance-based fares increases, any changes to fares policy requires balancing against the potential impacts on passengers and taxpayers. If the rail industry is inadequately funded in the short term it will lack the capacity and performance to deliver long-term ambitions of financial sustainability, modal shift and helping to deliver the UK’s net zero target.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1009
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her Department expected the Class 701 Arterio trains to be introduced on the Waterloo–Reading line at the time of procurement. \p Simon Lightwood: South Western Railway entered into the current rolling stock lease contracts in 2017, with the new Class 701 fleet due to be delivered 2019-2021. The Class 701 introduction has been significantly delayed and I am disappointed with how long it has taken.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the volume of British-produced steel used in the construction of the East West Rail project from Bletchley to Oxford; and what estimate she has made of the volume required for the new build section to Cambridge. \p Simon Lightwood: All rail used in the build of Connection Stage 1 (Oxford to Milton Keynes) was British Steel supplied via Network Rail SCO operations, which amounts to just under 4,100 tonnes. There would also have been a small additional amount used in built structures and stations.

The section between Bedford and Cambridge is still at the preliminary design phase and a total estimate of the volume of steel required is not yet available. However, current estimates suggest around 12,300 tonnes of new plain line track will be required.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has set a revised timetable for the introduction of the full Class 701 fleet on the Waterloo–Reading line. \p Simon Lightwood: South Western Railway services transferred into public ownership on Sunday 25 May. This was a watershed moment in our work to return the railways to the service of passengers. The new Managing Director of SWR is now developing a detailed plan to get the new trains into service.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Ruth Cadbury:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2024 to Question 6277, what progress her Department has made on agreeing an exchange agreement with Kosovo. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has obtained further information that was required from the Kosovan Embassy to progress a driving licence exchange agreement with Kosovo. This agreement remains subject to public consultation and the introduction of domestic legislation and this work is ongoing.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if her Department will make an assessment of the adequacy of Heathrow Airport's regulatory framework. \p Mike Kane: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) determines the specific regulatory model for Heathrow independently of Government. The CAA’s primary duty in setting the price cap at Heathrow is to protect consumers’ interests. Officials are working closely with the CAA to better understand the various positions on the right regulatory framework to facilitate expansion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of undertaking a public awareness campaign to encourage more drivers to replace (a) faulty and (b) broken indicator lights. \p Lilian Greenwood: Modern vehicles are fitted with a mandatory tell-tale lamp to indicate whether the direction indicators are functioning properly. Statistics show that there are on average 146 collisions per year where defective lamps and indicators were considered to be a contributory factor. Direction indicator lamps are routinely checked at the annual MOT and the police are empowered to stop vehicles with defective lamps. Annex 6 of The Highway Code contains information on vehicle maintenance and makes it clear that special care should be taken to ensure that lights are working and are kept clean and clear.

THINK!, the Government’s flagship road safety campaign, prioritises budget where it can have most impact on reducing deaths and serious injuries, based on reviewing audience attitudes, statistics and alignment with issues that are prioritised by the police, such as drink driving and speeding. The campaign focuses on young men aged 17-24, who are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the road than drivers aged 25 and over.

We continue to adapt and evolve our campaign strategy based on data and insight and support a wider range of road safety messages via our partners and brand channels.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the British Parking Association on the recommended size of car parking spaces. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Secretary of State has not had any discussions with the British Parking Association on this matter.

The British Parking Association and International Parking Community have launched a new single industry code of practice which aims to improve transparency and consistency. It provides guidance on matters such as the design of designated bays, including those for blue badge holders.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of trends in the level of waiting times for driving licence renewals in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence. There are no delays in successful online applications and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days.

There are also no delays in straightforward paper driving licence applications which are being processed within normal turnaround times and drivers should receive their driving licence within three weeks.

Driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated before a licence can be issued can take longer. The length of time taken depends on the condition(s) involved and whether further information is required from third parties, for example doctors or other healthcare professionals, before a decision on whether to issue a licence can be made.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 9 October 2024 to Question 5803 on Local Transport Plans, what progress she has made on reviewing guidance for Local Transport Authorities on Local Transport Plans. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is currently reviewing guidance for Local Transport Authorities on Local Transport Plans. The Government intends to publish updated Local Transport Plan guidance later this year.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's policy paper entitled The Plan for Drivers, published in October 2023, what progress she has made on updating 20mph zone guidance for England. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Plan for Drivers was published by the previous Government.

Decisions on making local speed limits on roads in England rest with traffic authorities who have responsibility for roads in local areas. The Department for Transport issues best practice guidance to assist authorities setting localspeed limits, designed to make sure that speed limits are appropriately andconsistently set while allowing for flexibility to deal with local circumstances.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the validity of driving theory tests to a minimum of three years. \p Lilian Greenwood: The maximum duration of two years between passing the theory test and a subsequent practical test is in place to ensure a customer’s road safety knowledge and ability to identify developing hazards is current. This validity period is set in legislation, and the Government has no current plans to lay further legislation to extend it. It is important road safety knowledge and hazard perception skills are up to date at the critical point a person drives unsupervised for the first time.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Robin Swann:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Answer of 11 October 2024 to Question 8083 on Roads: Safety, what her planned timetable is for laying the secondary legislation required to commence section 19 of the Road Safety Act 2006. \p Lilian Greenwood: Officials continue to work on the complex draft regulations that would be required to commence Section 19 of the Road Safety Act 2006. When this work is completed the Government will give consideration to enabling Section 19 to come to fruition in respect of mandated driving instruction standards for emergency services.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Highways Agency has issued guidance on the use of (a) electronic and (b) other road signs with foreign languages. \p Lilian Greenwood: National Highways does not have a specific policy and has not issued guidance on the use of non-electronic or electronic traffic signs using a different language other than English.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to publish a consultation on draft measures to support young and novice drivers before the summer recess. \p Lilian Greenwood: We absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads and are exploring options to tackle the root causes of this for young people and novice drivers. Further details will be provided in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to undertake a comprehensive review of Heathrow’s economic regulation before a final decision on a third runway is made. \p Mike Kane: It is important to the Department that airport expansion is delivered in a way which ensures minimal cost to the consumer.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) determines the specific regulatory model for Heathrow independently of Government. The CAA’s primary duty in setting the price cap at Heathrow is to protect consumers’ interests. Officials are working closely with the CAA to better understand the various positions on the right regulatory framework to facilitate expansion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 51961 on Abellio Greater Anglia and c2c: Standards, if he will list the (a) metrics (b) incentives and (c) penalties applicable to public sector train operators. \p Simon Lightwood: Public sector operators will have to meet rigorous, bespoke performance standards and earn the right to be called Great British Railways. They will be held to account for their performance against metrics including punctuality, reliability, customer experience and satisfaction, service quality, financial performance, environmental performance and minimising rates of ticketless travel. Performance against metrics will be regularly reported to the Department and many metrics will also be published, including at train stations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department collects data from local authorities on the (a) revenue from and (b) number of (i) on-street and (ii) off-street parking fines issued by local authorities in (A) London (B) the rest of England. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport does not collect such data centrally. The Department has published statutory guidance which requires local authorities outside London to publish annual financial and statistical data on their enforcement activity. London Councils collects enforcement data as the representative body for the London Boroughs and Transport for London.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the DVLA self-reporting process for (a) age-related and (b) other health conditions. \p Lilian Greenwood: The law requires all driving licence holders, regardless of age, to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any medical condition that could affect their fitness to drive. When renewing their driving entitlement at the age of 70, licence holders must declare that they can continue to meet the relevant medical standards, including eyesight. Failure to do so is an offence.

If a driver of any age notifies the DVLA of a medical condition, an investigation will be carried out. This can involve requesting additional information from the applicant or driver’s healthcare professionals or they may be asked to attend a medical examination or driving assessment.

In 2023, the DVLA carried out a call for evidence to seek views on the current legislative basis for establishing whether a person is medically fit to drive. The evidence gathered, including the process of self-declaration, is being fully considered.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Darren Paffey:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that wheelchair users have reliable access to priority spaces on buses. \p Simon Lightwood: The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) require buses and coaches designed to carry over twenty-two passengers and used on local and scheduled services to incorporate features to support disabled people to travel safely and in reasonable comfort. This includes provision of a wheelchair space and lift or ramp suitable for a passenger using a standard “reference wheelchair”.

We know that wheelchair users are sometimes unable to board a bus because the statutory wheelchair space is already occupied, and we welcome efforts by operators to relieve pressure on it, including through dedicated announcements and signage, the provision of taxi guarantee schemes, and by incorporating a second wheelchair space into vehicle designs.

We want disabled people to be able to travel easily, confidently and with dignity, and the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill includes a comprehensive package of measures aiming to improve local bus network accessibility and safety.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) support and (b) funding is available from her Department for cycle training schemes that (i) are specifically tailored for girls and (ii) have a minimum threshold for the number of girls participating. \p Simon Lightwood: Active Travel England provides funding to The Bikeability Trust to deliver Bikeability cycle training to children in England (outside London). In addition, active travel revenue funding can be used by local authorities to deliver cycle training and engagement programmes outside of Bikeability. It is for local authorities to decide on targeted engagement programmes for underrepresented groups, such as women and girls.
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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he is taking steps to ensure that local stakeholders in Wiltshire will have a role in shaping the (a) 30-year strategic plan and (b) five-year business plans proposed for Great British Railways. \p Simon Lightwood: In its role as the ‘directing mind’, Great British Railways (GBR) will bring track and train together and plan services on a whole-system basis, to better deliver for passengers, taxpayers, and freight customers, and to unlock growth. This will include working closely with devolved leaders and local partners, drawing on their experiences and expertise.

As set out in Getting Britain Moving, the Government intends that all Local Transport Authorities, including Wiltshire, will benefit from empowered local GBR business units that will engage local authorities on their priorities and Local Transport Plans, and seek to ensure the railway plays its part in delivering them where possible. This will include working with sub-national transport bodies on matters of wider regional interest.

The Secretary of State will engage with key stakeholders as the Long-Term Rail Strategy is developed and GBR will engage with stakeholders as it develops its plans to translate the strategy into operational decisions.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the use of alcohol-interlocks on vehicles of people convicted of drink driving. \p Lilian Greenwood: In 2021, the Government commissioned PACTS (Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety) to publish a report on alcohol interlocks.

www.pacts,org.uk/locking-out-the-drink-driver-using-alcohol-interlocks-to-reduce-drink-driving-in-the-uk/

Government keeps motoring offences under review, including those for drink driving.
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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans the Department has to involve (a) passengers and (b) rail user groups in Wiltshire in the development of the proposed independent passenger watchdog. \p Simon Lightwood: The new Passenger Watchdog will be established alongside Great British Railways, enabled by the forthcoming Railways Bill. We recently consulted on our legislative proposals, including the watchdog, and we are currently reviewing the responses received. A Government response will be published in due course.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the guidance entitled EAPC standards and legal requirements, published on 10 December 2024, in relation to preventing the sale of illegally modified electric bikes. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department believes that there is no need for such an assessment.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) market surveillance unit inspects vehicles, trailers and equipment to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. This includes surveillance of the market for Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs).

The DVSA is empowered to take enforcement action against retailers selling non-compliant EAPCs, including electric bikes which have been modified and not meeting regulatory standards.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2025 to Question 49771 on Parking: Fines, which parking sector stakeholders shared research with her Department. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London (PATROL), British Parking Association (BPA) and Local Government Association (LGA) shared a report of their research with the Department. They carried out an online survey and received responses from 43 Local Authorities.
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Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the report commissioned by the Office of Rail and Road entitled Temple Mills Depot – Independent Capacity Assessment 2025, published on 31 March 2025, what steps her Department is taking to increase the level of capacity available for new operators to run cross-channel services. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department welcomes the continuing work by the independent Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to assess the various access applications for Temple Mills Depot, including the Independent Capacity Assessment. We expect the ORR to publish its final determination of the various access applications by the end of the year.

The Government recognises the significant interest from a number of new entrants seeking to launch services and is working to establish a thriving and competitive market, which will ultimately benefit passengers.
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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the capacity of rail services to meet levels of demand during (a) parades, (b) football matches and (c) other events. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department requires its train operating companies to use all reasonable endeavours to operate adequate railway passenger services to or from any special events which are not already provided for in the base timetable, including providing an appropriate amount of passenger carrying capacity to meet the demand that is likely to arise, subject to the availability of staff, rolling stock and train paths on the network.
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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Great British Railways will be required to take into account the specific needs of (a) Wiltshire and (b) other rural and semi-rural areas when determining (i) future service levels and (ii) timetables. \p Simon Lightwood: Great British Railways (GBR) will plan services and design timetables to meet both current and future passenger demand, while also ensuring value for money to the taxpayer. GBR will work with all Local Transport Authorities, including Wiltshire, on their priorities and Local Transport Plans.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1037
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1037

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the potential impact of the time taken to introduce Class 701 rolling stock on the Waterloo–Reading line on costs to the public purse. \p Simon Lightwood: My Officials are keeping the position under active review and will look into overall costs of the delays to the Class 701 introduction programme at the appropriate time.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1038
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1038

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on the number of people who held a provisional moped licence in (a) London and (b) Great Britain in each year since 2019. \p Lilian Greenwood: The table below provides the requested information as of 4 June 2025. Historical information is not available.

Location

Number of drivers with provisional moped entitlement (categories AM, P and Q)

a) London this includes postcodes E, EC, N, NW, SE, SW, W, WC

1,451,610

b) Great Britain

9,769,881
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1039
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1039

Rebecca Long Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the National Infrastructure Commission’s 2024 Cost Drivers report, published in October 2024, what steps she is taking to tackle the cost drivers for major UK infrastructure projects. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government will publish a Ten-year Infrastructure Strategy this summer, alongside the Spending Review, to outline the approach it is taking to improve the delivery of economic infrastructure, such as transport. The strategy aims to address the root causes of many of the cost drivers of major projects identified by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) in 2024. The strategy also includes plans for housing and social infrastructure, such as hospitals.

My department also has a rolling programme of project delivery change activity to improve project delivery outcomes over time. This includes established learning and development pathways, with all Senior Responsible Officers of our Major Projects Portfolio required to complete the Major Projects Leadership Academy.

Significant progress has also been made improving the governance of our portfolio of projects with the introduction of “IPDC (the Department’s senior investment committee) in Portfolio Mode”, and new arrangements to manage portfolio-level risks with our delivery partners, including National Highways, Network Rail, and HS2 Ltd.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1040
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1040

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to publish a roadmap for the (a) uptake and (b) deployment of zero emission heavy goods vehicles. \p Lilian Greenwood: Government support to increase the uptake of zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) includes initiatives such as the Plug-In Truck Grant, reducing the upfront cost of zero emission HGVs, and the up to £200m Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, delivering both zero emission both vehicles and supporting infrastructure. We are considering our regulatory pathway to decarbonising new non-zero emission HGVs and will set out further information in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1041
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1041

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the policy paper entitled The plan for drivers, published 2 October 2023, what progress her Department has made on the call for evidence on options to restrict local authorities’ (a) ability to generate surpluses from traffic offences and (b) over-zealous use of traffic enforcement powers. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport’s ‘Statutory Guidance to Local Authorities on the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions’ makes clear that local authorities should never issue Penalty Charge Notices to raise revenue.

The Department is currently considering the findings of the Call for Evidence on 'Restricting the generation of surplus funds from traffic contraventions' which was issued as part of the previous Government’s Plan for Drivers.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1042
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1042

Chris Webb:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to support coach access to major domestic tourism destinations; and whether he is working with local authorities to improve (a) parking, (b) drop-off facilities and (c) infrastructure for coach operators serving the domestic visitor economy. \p Simon Lightwood: Issues relating to domestic tourism are a matter for DCMS. It is for local authorities to decide on local transport policies for their area, and we encourage local authorities to consider all modes of transport, including facilities for coaches.

We will publish the Integrated National Transport Strategy later this year, which will focus on how transport should be better designed, built and operated to serve the people who use it. It will also enable local leaders to get on and deliver good transport that is right for their communities, as they know best in terms of the opportunities and barriers facing their areas.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1043
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1043

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to (a) publish, (b) consult on and (c) ratify the Airports National Policy Statement. \p Mike Kane: The government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once proposals have been received, the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement.

The Secretary of State will determine the scope of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement in due course and therefore, the Department cannot speculate on the scope nor the timings at this stage.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1044
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1044

Sarah Olney:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help tackle the delay in TfL issuing Public Carriage Office licences to people (a) with health conditions who are ineligible for the temporary license and (b) who have faced personal costs of (i) loss of earnings, (ii) loss of assets to cover bills, (iii) homelessness, (iv) health impacts, (v) loss of customers and (vi) small business failures. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport is responsible for setting the regulatory structure within which local licensing authorities in England license the taxi and private hire vehicle trades but ultimately the licensing process is left at the discretion of local authorities. We work closely with TfL on a range of issues but the operation of private hire driver licensing is a matter solely for them.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1045
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1045

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on whether (a) Network Rail and (b) HS2 has issued guidance on the use of road signs near engineering works with foreign languages. \p Simon Lightwood: Network Rail is consistent with the Safety at Street Works and Road Works: A Code of Practice 2013, which states that the size shape and style of all signs must comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions, and that in Wales and some areas of Scotland the signs should be bilingual.

HS2 Ltd issues guidance to its contractors that signs on roads affected by HS2 Ltd works should be produced and installed in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions, which does not permit languages other than English to be used on traffic signs on public highways in England.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1046
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1046

Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to  ensure that plans for Heathrow’s expansion do not result in increased costs for passengers. \p Mike Kane: It is important to the Department that airport expansion is delivered in a way which ensures minimal cost to the consumer.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) determines the specific regulatory model for Heathrow independently of Government. The CAA’s primary duty in setting the price cap at Heathrow is to protect consumers’ interests.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1047
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1047

Kenneth Stevenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the £950m dedicated to the rapid charging fund is invested efficiently to drive decarbonisation in the transport sector. \p Lilian Greenwood: A reliable, accessible and visible public charging network to support EV drivers on long journeys is essential. There are now over 5,560 open-access, rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints within 1 mile of the Strategic Road Network (England’s motorways and major A roads) (Zapmap, April 2025). This is an increase of over 60% since January 2024 (Zapmap Jan 2024 – April 2025).

The market has changed significantly since the previous government announced the Rapid Charging Fund in 2020, including increased private sector investment in infrastructure, a changed regulatory environment, and improvements in battery technology.

We will ensure taxpayers' money is used as efficiently as possible to make the transition to electric vehicles a success. The Rapid Charging Fund pilot was launched in 2023 to better understand where to target government support.

We will apply learning from the pilot and continue working with industry to inform future policy to boost charging infrastructure on the Strategic Road Network.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1048
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1048

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of flight connections between England and Northern Ireland. \p Mike Kane: We recognise the importance of maintaining a thriving and competitive aviation sector in the UK that supports Union connectivity.

The Department continues to joint-fund a Public Service Obligation route between London and Derry/Londonderry.

During March 2025, around 4,000 passenger flights were operated by airlines including Aer Lingus, British Airways, easyJet, Loganair and Ryanair, between several airports across England and Northern Ireland.