theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what engine is used as the test demonstrator for the Global Combat Air Programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) demonstrator is planned to use EJ200 engines from the Eurofighter Typhoon, giving a reliable engine for testing the aircraft’s design. A brand-new engine will power the final production aircraft.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans the Global Combat Air Programme has to use the EJ200 engine. \p Luke Pollard: The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is developing a new aircraft to enter service in the mid-2030s. The early flying demonstrator will utilise EJ200 engines, these engines won’t be used in the final production model.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the scope is of the TIQUILA intelligence, surveillance, tracking and reconnaissance programme. \p Luke Pollard: TIQUILA is delivering Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) enabled Mini Uncrewed Air Systems (MUAS). TIQUILA will deliver Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLoS) persistent ISTAR information to Brigade Combat Teams across a wide-range of environmental and climatic conditions. This capability will support Light, Medium and Heavy manoeuvre brigades beyond visual line of sight.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 25 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on the review of the principle elements of the Integrated Global Defence Network since 2 June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The Secretary of State for Defence has not yet engaged in direct discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs regarding the review of the principal elements of the Integrated Defence Network (IGDN).

The review is currently in the early stages and FCDO officials are actively engaged.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 4 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, when his Department plans to undertake the first annual evaluation of the effectiveness of the integrated force model. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century.

The Defence Investment Plan will be published in the Autumn, to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan. We will ensure this plan considers the capabilities we need to deliver a new design for a more lethal and agile Integrated Force, alongside investment in infrastructure and people.

The baseline design for the Integrated Force will be finalised after the Defence Investment Plan has been published. Thereafter, the effectiveness of the Integrated Force model will be evaluated on an annual basis.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Graham Stuart:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Typhoon Force in providing security until the Tempest programme becomes operational. \p Luke Pollard: The Typhoon is a world-class combat aircraft and will continue to serve as the backbone of the UK's Combat Air Force until at least the 2040s. To ensure it remains at the cutting edge of capability, the UK is planning significant investment in the Typhoon through-life equipment programme. This includes the delivery and integration of the advanced European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) radar, which will enhance the aircraft's operational effectiveness. Further details on future Typhoon investment will be subject to the Defence Investment Plan, which will be published later this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 59818 on Defence: Public Expenditure, tabled on 13 June 2025. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: A response was sent to the hon. Member on 3 September 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will have discussions with representatives of Londonderry Port on its viability as a national maritime defence asset. \p Luke Pollard: Foyle Port remains an important regional logistics hub for the Royal Navy. Foyle Port is able to provide the logistical requirements necessary for ships on operational taskings.

The Royal Navy undertakes routine discussions with Foyle Port regarding the planning of ship visits for replenishment.

As stated within the Strategic Defence Review, the Home Defence Programme will work with the private-sector to ensure Defence has ready access to private-sector infrastructure for operations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, If she will publish the details of the construction phase funding for the A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening scheme considered by her Department’s Investment Portfolio and Delivery Committee in 2023/24 and 2024/25. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department has no plans to publish papers considered by its Investment, Portfolio and Delivery Committee, as has been the usual practice of successive administrations.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority's Annual Report 2024–25, published on 11 August 2025, for what reason no evaluation was completed for the Lower Thames Crossing. \p Simon Lightwood: The Lower Thames Crossing position can be found in the Tables section of the NISTA annual report which refers to the project post opening evaluation report (POPE). This report details the expected benefits once the scheme opens for traffic, how they will be measured and the actual ‘as measured’ benefits (3 years after opening) and produced as part of the Benefits Realisation and Evaluation Plan. Drafting of the POPE does not normally commence until the Full Business Case, which defines the expected benefits at the start of construction when they have reached full maturity and the scheme design is complete, has been approved.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Kate Osamor:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve road safety for motorcyclists. \p Simon Lightwood: Improving road safety is a key priority of this Government. For road users who choose to travel by motorcycle, the Department remains committed to ensuring that they are equipped with the specialist skills necessary to stay safe on the road.

Too many people are killed and seriously injured in road traffic collisions, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users. The Department is developing the Government’s Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to upgrade road infrastructure serving (a) freeport and (b) industrial development sites. \p Simon Lightwood: We are investing £4.8 billion during 2025/26 to operate, maintain, renew and enhance the Strategic Road Network, supporting journeys right across the country, enabling connectivity and economic growth.

We have committed to delivering several major road schemes which will service Industrial Strategy Zones including the A63 Castle Street supporting Humber Freeport, A52 Nottingham Junctions supporting East Midlands Freeport and Investment Zone, and Lower Thames Crossing supporting the Thames Freeport. We will set out our future plans for investment in the SRN through the publication of RIS3, no later than March 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the cancellation of the THINK! Road Safety communications campaign on road (a) injuries and (b) fatalities. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department continues to run the THINK! Campaign. In 2025/26 it has delivered a paid campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving and will continue to prioritise budget where it can have the most impact.

The THINK! campaign has successful cut through and trust among young drivers. We consistently see high claimed action taken, including changing driving behaviour, and positive shifts in attitudes towards priority issues including drink driving and speeding.

THINK! also promotes key road safety messages across its social channels and via ongoing radio advertising. The partner-led platform, THINK! 0%, continues to encourage drivers to always opt for 0% over an alcoholic drink if they’re getting behind the wheel. Assets are also made available for stakeholders and partners to promote. THINK! also supports road safety education for children via free resources for schools, parents and local authorities.

The Government treats road safety seriously, and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. We continue to adapt and evolve our campaign strategy and will consider any requirements aligned to the future Road Safety Strategy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Alex Ballinger:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has considered including measures to combat uninsured driving in the Road Safety Strategy. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department is developing our Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course.

All drivers must be insured to drive or ride the vehicle they are using and for the purpose it is used for. The Government takes uninsured driving seriously. Police forces work closely with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to tackle this. This is achieved through Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), a scheme where MIB and DVLA collaborate to identify uninsured drivers and police enforcement on the road.

There is also a national policing initiative known as Operation Tutelage to reduce the level of uninsured driving on our roads. The police send advisory letters to the registered keepers of vehicles seen on the road in circumstances where the current insurance status of the vehicle is unclear. The letter encourages the registered keeper to identify if there is a problem with the insurance for the vehicle, and to put things right.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps she has taken to improve road safety outside schools in high-traffic areas. \p Simon Lightwood: Local authorities also have a range of traffic management measures available to them to help improve safety outside schools including reducing speed limits, traffic calming, and introduction of a School Street where appropriate.  On 19 November 2024 Active Travel England and the Department for Transport published joint School Streets Guidance. The guidance is available at School Streets: how to set up and manage a scheme - GOV.UK

The Government treats road safety with the utmost seriousness and is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. The Department for Transport is developing our road safety strategy, the first in over a decade and we will set out more details in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Tom Gordon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to start building a third track between York and Skelton Junction during this Parliament. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department has worked extensively with Network Rail and stakeholders on development and design of a scheme to deliver a third line between York North Throat and Skelton Junction. As the broader strategic benefits of the project would only be realised as part of a wider package of investment on the East Coast Main Line, the decision was taken at the Spending Review to pause the project until a long-term strategy for the route can be developed further. The scheme will remain under review to ensure it can be delivered in the most effective way as part of a holistic strategy of investment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to respond to the consultation entitled Amendments to licensing restrictions: bus, coach and heavy goods vehicles, which closed on 5 June 2024. \p Simon Lightwood: The previous government consulted on proposals to amend licensing restrictions which would enable 18- to 20-year-olds to drive a bus and coach over 50km when driving a regular service and to enable some of the tests required to be passed in order to gain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence to be taken before a provisional licence is issued. We are currently considering next steps.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July 2025 to Question 66157 on A12: Repairs and Maintenance, what resources she has made available for small-scale interventions on the A12. \p Simon Lightwood: The necessary resources will be made available for the Department to continue to work with National Highways and relevant partners to explore what small-scale interventions could potentially address issues on the A12.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2025 to Question 66153 on Housing: Construction, if she will publish the analysis of the A12 widening scheme conducted in accordance with the HMT Treasury Green Book and her Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance. \p Simon Lightwood: Detailed information on the analysis of the A12 widening scheme, conducted in accordance with the HMT Treasury Green Book and the Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance, was published on the Planning Inspectorate’s website, available here: https://national-infrastructure consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR010060.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, If she has undertaken an assessment of the net present value using the Green Book methodology of (a) the A12 Widening Scheme, (b) each of the infrastructure schemes referenced in her Oral Statement of 8 July 2025 on Road and Rail Projects, Official Report, columns 815-837 and (c) proposals for the A120 Dualling Scheme. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department uses a five-dimension business case to inform decisions about transport investments, in line with the HM Treasury Green Book and the Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance. Within that, the Department considers benefits and costs in present value terms, as part of the overall business case. This includes strategic road schemes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Yasmin Qureshi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending Northern Ireland’s rules for new drivers to all new drivers across the UK. \p Simon Lightwood: Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driving Licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads and continue to tackle this through our THINK! campaign.

We are considering other measures to address this problem and protect young drivers, as part of our upcoming strategy for road safety - the first in over a decade.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Alex Ballinger:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Road Safety Strategy will be published. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government treats road safety seriously, and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. The Department is developing our Road Safety Strategy with plans to publish it this year. We will set out more details in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support hydrogen-powered transport solutions in the Tees Valley. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport (DfT) considers that hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives could play an important role in decarbonising the transport sector, particularly in heavier transport such as aviation and maritime.

We are supporting research, development and deployment of hydrogen-powered transport including through the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrators (ZEHID), the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE), the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF) and the Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen in Aviation Regulatory Challenge. The Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub Demonstration also provided dedicated funding to support the development of hydrogen refuelling stations and a range of hydrogen powered vehicles.

The Government will continue to assess support for hydrogen-powered transport as evidence continues to emerge and will publish a new UK Hydrogen Strategy later this year, outlining government's vision for hydrogen. The Strategy will be grounded in evidence and set out clear priorities for collaboration with industry.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Mr Toby Perkins:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the decision to pause the next phase of electrification of the Midland Main Line on rail (a) times and (b) investment in the East Midlands. \p Simon Lightwood: The Spending Review prioritised investment across all government spending, taking account of business cases and affordability. While I appreciate the investment opportunities that further electrification of the Midland Main Line could bring to the East Midlands, schemes that would have a more significant impact on economic growth were prioritised for funding. There is still significant investment being made in rail and we will continue to keep this project under review as part of our longer-term pipeline of schemes.

Ahead of further funding becoming available to complete electrification of the route, EMR’s new intercity bi-mode trains will provide a step change in journey quality for rail passengers travelling between South Yorkshire, the East Midlands and London. The new trains will be quieter, more comfortable and will reduce carbon emissions by running using electric overhead lines between London and Wigston, south of Leicester. When fully operational they will provide a 46 per cent increase in capacity through a mixture of a greater number of seats and units.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of staff working in DfT Operator were in their immediately previous role (a) working in the civil service (b) working in the private sector. \p Simon Lightwood: Neither the Department for Transport nor the DfT Operator hold this information.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of c2c's transfer to public ownership on levels of senior management and specialist operational expertise; how many such staff have left since the transfer; and what steps her Department is taking to retain senior management and specialist operational expertise from c2c within the publicly owned rail network. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is determined to retain the committed and talented staff who keep the railways running for passengers. As services are transferred into public ownership, including c2c’s services, staff employed by the privately-owned operator transfer to the public sector operator in accordance with Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations. The potential impact of this is closely monitored throughout the transfer process by the Department and DFT Operator. The transfer of c2c’s services and staff to public sector operator, c2c Railway Limited, on 20 July 2025 was successful. c2c Railway Limited is responsible for recruitment and retention of its staff.

The Government’s reform of the railways, including the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), will continue to modernise the railway’s dedicated and skilled workforce. Through workforce reform and the simplification of industry processes, we aim to restore pride in the railway as an employer and empower every colleague to deliver better service and value. While details on exact roles are subject to further design work, GBR will continue to need colleagues from across the railway to continue the hard work that they do delivering for passengers. We will continue to engage with the industry on our plans for GBR.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of abolishing peak fares for rail passengers. \p Simon Lightwood: We are overhauling the fares and ticketing system to make it easier for passengers to trust that they are buying the right ticket and getting the best fare, with the move to Great British Railways passengers will be able to receive a more consistent offer across the network.

The amount of taxpayer subsidy provided to the railway industry has increased from under a quarter in 2018/19 to almost half of total income following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023/24. We need to balance affordability for both passengers and taxpayers as we reform fares and deliver Great British Railways, ensuring everyone gets a fair deal.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has plans for the electrification of the north Wales mainline. \p Simon Lightwood: Together with industry partners, we have identified a number of improvements on the North Wales Main Line which will deliver more immediate passenger benefits, including increasing the frequency of services in 2026, which will serve to strengthen the business case for future electrification. Following the Spending Review, we are funding these improvement works as part of the wider £445 million investment to enhance rail infrastructure across Wales — unlocking economic potential, improving connectivity, and supporting communities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring foreign drivers to complete a basic online theory test before being permitted to drive on UK roads. \p Simon Lightwood: My department has not made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring foriegn drivers to complete a basic online theory test before being permitted to drive on UK roads.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Sir Mark Hendrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on the rate of people who were killed or seriously injured between junctions 31 and 33 of the M6 in the latest period for which data is available. \p Simon Lightwood: Safety is National Highways’ top priority and it regularly reviews the safety performance of routes in the North West region. National Highways will be undertaking a route safety study for the M6 this financial year, which it expects to complete by March 2026.

The information requested on killed and seriously injured rates is not readily available as National Highways does not routinely undertake this analysis at specific junctions.
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Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of staff working in DfT Operator were women as of the end of July 2025. \p Simon Lightwood: As of 31 July 2025, 56.7 per cent of the DfT Operator workforce were women.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Breaching of Limits on Ticket Sales Regulations 2018 to prevent the use of automated systems to secure and resell practical driving test appointments. \p Simon Lightwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will continue to review and improve the driving test booking system to make sure that learner drivers can book their test easily and efficiently.

Between 28 May and 23 July 2025, DVSA ran a public consultation on improving the rules for booking car driving tests. Views were sought from the driver training industry, learner drivers and other interested parties on changes which aim to prevent learner drivers from being exploited by those who resell tests at a higher price.

In line with the consultation principles, DVSA will aim to publish a summary of responses, including the next steps, which might include new legislation.

While the selling of tests for profit is not illegal, DVSA deploys enhanced bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly, but these applications are constantly evolving and changing. DVSA continues looking for ways to ensure the safest and fairest way to book a driving test is for a legitimate candidate to use its services. DVSA has zero tolerance for those who exploit learner drivers and is committed to tackling the reselling of driving tests.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she will announce the locations of the five new railway stations to be built in south east Wales. \p Simon Lightwood: Based on the work of the South East Wales Transport Commission and subsequent development activity, new stations are proposed at Newport Road (Cardiff), Newport West, Somerton, Llanwern, and Magor & Undy.  The funding announced in the Spending Review will support the further development of options and confirm the exact locations for the stations. The programme for this will be confirmed in due course by the two governments, supported by our industry partners.
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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is the total allocated budget for all five of the new railway stations to be built in south east Wales. \p Simon Lightwood: The government’s recent Spending Review and Infrastructure Strategy has recognised Wales’ long-term infrastructure needs and will deliver at least £445 million of rail enhancements to realise them. The exact proportion of funding required to support individual enhancement schemes will be confirmed through further development activity currently underway by industry partners.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, further to the Answer of 1 September 2025 to Question 69372 on Midland Main Line: Electrification, what is her Department's estimate of the cost of completing electrification of the Midland Main Line to Nottingham and Sheffield. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department’s most recent estimate to electrify the Midland Main Line to Nottingham and Sheffield was c. £1.5 billion, however, before the decision to pause the programme was confirmed, work was being undertaken by Network Rail to update their cost estimate.

Since July, Network Rail have been making plans for their current activities in a way that enables work to be subsequently utilised. The design work that will be completed will enable a more robust and up to date cost estimate to be produced, as and when funding becomes available to complete electrification of the route.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Kate Osamor:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has met with representatives of the Motorcycle Action Group to discuss the role of motorcycling in national transport policy. \p Simon Lightwood: The department will publish the Integrated National Transport Strategy later this year and set the long-term vision for transport across England, putting people and the journeys they make at the heart of how transport is planned, built and operated. We have conducted extensive engagement with stakeholders and members of the public at an official level to inform the Strategy and heard directly from motorcyclists and motorcycle representative groups including Motorcycle Action Group (MAG). As the Strategy is still in development, I am unable to comment on specific policy questions, but the insights gathered through our engagement activities have been analysed and are being considered as the Strategy continues to evolve.

On 20 January, I attended the first part of the first meeting of the reconstituted Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group (MSFG), chaired by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, to demonstrate my support and commitment to the motorcycling community and to the work of that group, of which MAG is a member and were in attendance. I think that the MSFG is best placed for MAG to feed in their concerns and requests about Government policy as it affects motorcyclists.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to prevent the exploitation of trade insurance policies by motorists to allow otherwise uninsured drivers to drive any vehicle on that policy. \p Simon Lightwood: All drivers must be insured to drive the vehicle they are using and for the purpose it is used for.

The Government takes uninsured driving seriously. Police forces work closely with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to tackle this. This is achieved through Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), a scheme where MIB and DVLA collaborate to identify uninsured drivers and police enforcement on the road.  There is also a national policing initiative known as Operation Tutelage to reduce the level of uninsured driving on our roads.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_611

Sarah Hall:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of freight crime on the economy since 2020. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is aware of the rising frequency of freight crime and the damaging impact it can have on businesses and the economy. The Government is working closely with the police, wider automative industry, and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) to ensure the response to vehicle crime is strong as it can be.

The National Vehicle Crime Working Group has established a network of vehicle crime specialists, involving every police force in England and Wales, to share information about emerging trends in vehicle crime. The Government is also continuing to work closely with Opal, the police’s national intelligence unit focused on serious organised crime, which has a vehicle crime intelligence desk covering freight crime.

The freight crime data from the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service is:

Year

No. of Offences

Total Loss Value

2020

4,481

£94.9 million

2021

4,434

£71.4 million

2022

5,086

£66 million

2023

5,373

£68 million
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_612
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_612

Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that school vehicles operated under Section 19/22 exemptions (a) meet the same safety standards as those under Passenger Carrying Vehicles licences and (b) help mitigate driver fatigue after a day of teaching; and what assessment she has made of the adequacy of (i) vehicle safety and (ii) compliance checks. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government publishes guidance to support the correct and safe use of section 19 and section 22 permits, including recommended vehicle maintenance arrangements. Vehicles operated under permits should have regular safety inspections, at least every 10 weeks, in addition to daily walkaround checks, regular servicing and annual MOTs.

The guidance further notes that all drivers should be aware of the risk to passenger safety from driving when tired and that it is not sensible to start a long trip after a full day’s work, whether that work involves driving or not. In 2013, the Government also published guidance specifically for schools and local authorities on driving school minibuses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_613

Robin Swann:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will include motorcycling in all its forms as a specific element within the forthcoming integrated national transport strategy; and what her timetable is for publishing the strategy. \p Simon Lightwood: Later this year, the department will publish the Integrated National Transport Strategy (INTS) and set the long-term vision for transport across England, placing people at the heart of how we plan, build, and operate transport. The Strategy will aim to address fragmentation and inefficiency across the transport system to ensure that people can easily, reliably, and safely carry out the journeys they want to make, however they choose to travel.

We have conducted extensive engagement with stakeholders and members of the public, including motorcyclists and motorcycle user representative groups, through a Call for Ideas, Regional Roadshows, and targeted sessions with seldom heard groups. As the Strategy is still in development, I am unable to comment on specific policy questions, but all the insights gathered through our engagement activities have been analysed and are being considered as the Strategy continues to evolve.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_614

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July 2025 to Question 66155 on A12: Repairs and Maintenance, how much funding she has allocated for the costs of ending the A12 widening scheme. \p Simon Lightwood: National Highways is moving to end the A12 widening scheme and will publish details on costs incurred in its Annual Report and Accounts in due course. The costs will be funded from resources made available to National Highways in the usual way.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_615

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the alcohol drink drive limit level on the viability of (a) pubs, (b) restaurants, (c) cafes and (d) other hospitality businesses in rural areas. \p Simon Lightwood: As part of the development of our Road Safety Strategy, the Government is considering a range of policies relating to motoring offences such as drink driving and other matters of concern that have been raised.

The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed is the responsibility of individual Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_616

Bobby Dean:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) guidance and (b) requirements exist for employers to verify the (i) licensing status, (ii) training and (iii) safety of any motor scooter riders they engage. \p Simon Lightwood: Employers have a duty to manage the safety of their employees, and their employees in turn have a responsibility to ride or drive appropriately and to comply with relevant laws. Guidance for companies employing people to drive including verifying their licence status is provided at: Employing people to drive - GOV.UK

The Department for Transport worked closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to update the joint DfT/HSE guidance on work related road safety. The revised guidance, published in September 2021 and called Driving and riding safely for work, clearly sets out what commercial organisations and their employees must do to manage work related road safety and what their obligations are under law. This includes how to assess risks while on the road, considerations for other road users and distractions from mobile devices.

The Minister for Local Transport wrote to the main food delivery companies in December 2024, to remind them of their obligations, and of the importance the Government places on the safety of all road users. Enforcement of road traffic legislation, including that relating to e-scooters, is a matter for the police.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_617

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the accessibility of booking driving tests. \p Simon Lightwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce driving test waiting times across the country.

Further information on these actions and progress on the plan can be found on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/government/news/transport-secretary-acts-to-make-thousands-of-extra-driving-tests-available-each-month.

All available driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA’s live booking system, and as well as releasing tests on a rolling 24-week basis on a Monday, additional appointments are released throughout the week. As new test appointments appear on the booking service at different times of the day and through the week, the DVSA advises candidates to continue to check for earlier appointments.

On 28 May, DVSA launched a public consultation on improving the rules for booking car driving tests. The consultation closed on 23 July. DVSA will review the feedback given and announce next steps as soon as possible. Further information on the consultation is available at:

www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-car-driving-test-booking-rules/improving-car-driving-test-booking-rules.

This consultation is about changing the rules on how car driving tests can be booked and managed. The aim is to make test booking fairer, stop people charging extra fees to book tests and simplify the system for learners and approved driving instructors (ADI).
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_618
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_618

David Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to tackle number plate cloning; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of vehicle cloning on (a) the finances, (b) the legal position and (c) other factors for motorists in Hertfordshire incorrectly pursued for offences committed by others. \p Simon Lightwood: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime, including the use of cloned number plates.

The law requires anyone who supplies number plates for road use in the UK to be registered with the DVLA. It is a legal requirement for suppliers to carry out checks to ensure that number plates are only sold to those who can prove they are entitled to the registration number and suppliers must also keep records of the plates they have supplied.

The DVLA assists the police and Trading Standards in their enforcement against number plate suppliers, including those who trade illegally. When notified, the DVLA will investigate and pass on intelligence to the police who are responsible for investigating this criminal matter.

Anyone who thinks their number plate may have been cloned should contact the police immediately. Any fines received should be returned to the issuing authorities. The DVLA can provide customers with letters that can be used as supporting evidence and can also on request provide a replacement registration number free of charge, to help victims of number plate cloning. This helps the police to identify the vehicle concerned and prevent the receipt of any fixed penalties for that vehicle registration number.

The specific information requested about the potential impact of this issue on motorists in Hertfordshire is not available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_619

Maya Ellis:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle drones flying over properties at under 400 feet. \p Simon Lightwood: All drone operators in the UK must adhere to the Drone and Model Aircraft Code, overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This includes protections for privacy. For a drone operator to undertake operations under 400ft they must successfully apply for an Operational Authorisation from the CAA.

Government is currently reforming Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS or drones) Regulations, which should come into force from 1 January 2026 and will enhance the safety, security and manufacturing standards for drones. These reforms will include the requirement for Remote Identification (a system that allows drones to be tracked and identified in real time) for all drones over 250g, which will enable law enforcement to identify non-compliant operators.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_620

Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a minimum age requirement for children to travel on a motorbike as a pillion passenger. \p Simon Lightwood: The department has not made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a minimum age requirement for children to travel on a motorbike as a pillion passenger. The decision to carry a child passenger on a motorcycle remains with the rider, who is legally responsible for ensuring that the child is safely supported.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_621

Alex Ballinger:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of penalty levels for uninsured driving. \p Simon Lightwood: My department is developing our Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course.

All drivers must be insured to drive or ride the vehicle they are using and for the purpose it is used for. The Government takes uninsured driving seriously.

My department is currently considering a range of policies relating to the motoring offences and their penalties.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_622
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_622

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much her Department has spent on (a) designing, (b) producing and (c) installing posters on departmental workstreams for its headquarters in London since 4 July 2024. \p Simon Lightwood: Since 4 July 2024, the Department for Transport has made no spend on designing posters to promote departmental workstreams in London offices.

Costs of producing and installing posters are covered by the fixed cost of the total Facilities Management contract.