theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_520

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the press notice entitled New dawn for rail as South Western services return to public hands, published on 25 May 2025, on what evidential basis her Department calculated that public ownership of railways would save £150 million from the public purse; and if she will publish (a) the categories of fees that are no longer payable and (b) the estimated value of each fee category. \p Simon Lightwood: Private sector train operating companies are paid fixed and performance-based fees are set out in their National Rail Contracts with the Department. Operations are being transferred into public ownership as their National Rail Contract expire, meaning these fees will no longer be applicable once services have transferred. This saving is estimated to be up to £150million per annum once all franchised contracts have expired, with a proportion of these savings achieved each year in the interim as individual operators’ services transfer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_521

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many serious vehicle accidents caused by potholes have resulted in (a) driver and (b) passenger deaths in (i) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (ii) Lincolnshire in each year since 2015. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department’s reported road collision statistics do not identify the cause of collisions. However, reporting police officers can assign up to 6 road safety factors which they believe may have contributed to the collision occurring.

There were no fatalities between 2015 and 2023 (the latest year for which figures are available) in collisions assigned the road safety factor “Poor or defective road surface or deposits on road” in South Holland and the Deepings.

Fatalities for Lincolnshire are shown in the table.

Area

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Lincolnshire

0

0

1

0

0

0

2

0

2

All fatalities were drivers or riders.

The number of collisions, involving at least one seriously injured casualty, which were assigned road safety factor “poor or defective road surface or deposits on road” between 2015 and 2023 are shown in the table.

Area

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

South Holland and the Deepings constituency

1

3

2

5

1

5

0

2

3

Lincolnshire

9

19

17

16

18

16

9

14

13
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_522

Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to increase the volume of freight transported by rail. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is committed to supporting rail freight growth, recognising its significant economic and environmental potential and its critical role in the UK’s resilience. Last year, rail freight volumes increased by 5%.

We will support future growth by placing a statutory duty on Great British Railways to promote the use of rail freight. We have also confirmed that there will be an overall target of an 75% increase in rail freight moved by 2050, alongside other targets that will be announced prior to the stand up of Great British Railways.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the press notice entitled Your chance to try simpler train tickets in Yorkshire and the East Midlands this September, published on 6 June 2025, how many passengers have volunteered to participate in the digital ticketing trials in (a) Yorkshire and (b) the East Midlands. \p Simon Lightwood: The Digital Pay As You Go (DPAYG) trials are an opportunity for passengers to test cutting-edge technology and benefit from a simpler, more flexible tickets. We have had good engagement from passengers across the trial routes so far, with 968 users on Trial 1 and 532 users on Trial 2.

The Department and delivery partners are pushing for as close to 1000 participants per trial as possible to gather passenger views and effectively evaluate this innovative technology.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her proposed timeline is for the transfer of staff to the Department for Transport Operator Limited from Rail Service, Rail Strategy and Reform and Corporate Delivery. \p Simon Lightwood: The proposed transfer of some staff from DfT to the DfT Operator is planned to take place for the beginning of the financial year 2026/27.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the implementation of the European Train Control System on the East Coast Mainline on the feasibility of a new station at Alconbury Weald. \p Simon Lightwood: 1) There are no current plans to construct a new East Coast Main Line (ECML) station at Alconbury Weald. The Department recognises the importance of the ECML and is starting work with Network Rail and industry stakeholders on development of a long-term strategy of investment for the route.

2) The following progress has been made on the East Coast Digital Programme. In May 2025, the first phase of the scheme was complete with the removal of conventional lineside signals, and all services using digital signalling on the Northern City Line (NCL) between Finsbury Park and Moorgate. This is the first no signals commuter railway in the country, and first of any kind since the early Cambrian Line pilot in 2011. 100,000 services have now operated on NCL using digital signalling.

The infrastructure between Welwyn and Hitchin has been upgraded for the first European Train Control System (ETCS) section on the ECML. In line with the approach taken on NCL, the Welwyn to Hitchin section will initially operate as an overlay (i.e. able to operate with both conventional and digital signalling) to facilitate driver conversion training. The work is being led by Network Rail who, subject to the necessary assurances and regulatory processes, anticipate being able to begin driver train using digital signalling through that section from summer 2026.

3) Work to implement the ETCS on the East Coast Mainline between Huntingdon and Kings Cross is scheduled to be completed in the early 2030s.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has requested financial reporting from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the Bee Network since the 2019 assessment. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport works closely with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to support the development and delivery of the Bee Network. Since the 2019 assessment, the Department has not formally requested financial reporting specific to the Bee Network as a whole. However, GMCA is required to provide financial and performance reporting in relation to specific funding streams that support the Bee Network, including their City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, the Local Authority Bus Grant, and one-off additional funding in 2023/24.

The Department continues to monitor the use of public funds through these mechanisms, but the overall financial management of the Bee Network remains a matter for Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the press relase entitled New era of rail accountability for passengers as performance data goes live at stations, published on 6 March 2025, when she expects performance data to go live on-screen at all stations across the rail network. \p Simon Lightwood: For the first time, we have made station-specific performance information available at over 1,700 stations. Where possible, this information is displayed digitally. Otherwise, passengers are able to scan a QR code which will direct them to the relevant information online. In addition, data for all stations in Great Britain is available on the Office for Rail and Road website.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_528
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_528

Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment with the Minister for Women and Equalities of the adequacy of access for disabled people on rail travel; and what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) all newly constructed railways and (b) upgrades to existing lines will sufficiently address the challenges disabled people currently face on rail travel. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department has standards in place requiring all new and upgraded rail infrastructure to be accessible. This is set out in the Accessibility National Technical Specification Notice and the Code of Practice: Design Standards for Accessible Railway Stations. Failure to meet these standards may result in enforcement action by the Office of Rail and Road, as compliance is a condition of operator’s licences.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of (a) recent trends in levels of prevalence of assaults against railway staff and (b) the effectiveness of body-worn video cameras in helping to deter those assaults. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is committed to ensuring that railway workers feel safe and are safe at work. There is no place for abuse or assault of any worker and so the recent reports of a rise in attacks on rail staff is of concern.

The policing of the railway is the responsibility of the British Transport Police (BTP) who work closely with the rail industry and Department for Transport to monitor trends and intervene to ensure the railway remains a safe environment for rail staff and passengers.

My department and BTP encourage rail operators to consider the personal safety of their rail staff, including encouraging greater use of Body Worn Video (BWV), which was academically proven in a 2019 trial to reduce violence against BWV wearing staff at railway stations by 47%.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress she has made in increasing rail freight growth. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government, alongside Network Rail and the rail freight sector, continue to make progress on ensuring the growth of rail freight. In the year April 2024 to March 2025, rail freight volumes increased by 5%.

Network Rail’s Access Charge Discounts Policy scheme has been crucial in helping new flows get up and running. Since launching in August 2024, the scheme has supported 15 new flows. Four of the five flows that have passed the discount period have continued to operate, undiscounted.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Chris Hinchliff:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of permitting cross-subsidisation between publicly owned and delivered rail services on the sustainability of rural rail services. \p Simon Lightwood: Train operating companies are currently preparing business plans. They will give consideration to rail service patterns, including for rural rail services, with the objective of improving performance of the railway for passengers, reducing the net cost of the railway and retaining access to services for those communities this Government is trying to help most.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the press notice entitled Simpler train travel for the South East as contactless ticketing rolls out at 47 more stations, published on 20 January 2025, how many and what proportion of the 49 stations announced for rollout in 2025 had contactless introduced by 10 October 2025; what her Department's timetable is for introducing contactless in the remaining stations; and what plans her Department has to extend contactless ticketing (a) beyond the South East and (b) in (i) Greater Manchester and (ii) the West Midlands. \p Simon Lightwood: We have committed to expanding Pay As You Go (PAYG) with contactless ticketing to further stations in the Southeast, with an additional 49 stations to be rolled out by the end of this year. Ministers will be making an announcement on delivery soon.

Additionally, we have announced plans to launch PAYG in both Manchester and the West Midlands, expanding PAYG to more than 90 additional rail stations in 2026. Any further announcement on wider expansion beyond this, as well as an update on delivery timings, will be provided in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2025 to Question 75323 on Railways: Mobile Broadband, how much funding her Department plans to provide for low earth orbit satellite technology. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department was successful in securing funding of £33m capital and £24m resource (or operational expenditure) as part of the Spending Review to fit all mainline trains with Low Earth Orbit satellite technology to upgrade on -train wifi.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Shockat Adam:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will set targets for companies to provide accessible human customer service channels. \p Simon Lightwood: This Government is committed to improving accessibility, customer support, and helping to remove barriers to travel for all users of public transport. The Department recognises the important role staff play in providing face-to-face services on public transport and the reassurance this gives many customers, especially those who may feel vulnerable or may need more support.

Innovation across the sector offers significant opportunities to change and improve customer service. Digitalisation and technological improvements will form part of this, across different modes of transport. These should be inclusive of the needs of all passengers, including disabled people. Where adjustments such as in-person assistance may be required, these should be accounted for in planning and development.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether retired former employees of British Rail will retain travel privileges following the creation of Great British Railways. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government understands the importance of travel concessions for retired former British Rail employees and there are no plans to change these arrangements under Great British Railways.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has for the number of staff working for Great British Rail in each of the next 10 years; and over what time frame they will be hired. \p Simon Lightwood: GBR will be established as a new arms-length body bringing together responsibilities currently split over more than 17 different organisations. While details on exact roles are subject to further design work, GBR will rely on colleagues from across the railway to continue the important work they do each day in delivering for passengers. We will continue to engage with the industry on our plans for GBR.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has issued guidance on ensuring the safety of horses in proximity to road or rail works conducted near grazing land. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport has produced no guidance in relation to the safety of animals on grazing land near to road or rail works. In relation to works carried out on public highways, the Department for Transport publishes statutory guidance in Safety at Street Works and Road Works: A Code of Practice, available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-at-street-works-and-road-works. This includes specific provisions for equestrian routes and horse riders, where the works affect on-highway routes for these users.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Sarah Coombes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure that data from electric vehicles is provided to the authorities in the event of a road traffic crash. \p Simon Lightwood: Event Data Recorders (EDRs) are systems which store information related to vehicle dynamics and other parameters in the moments around a collision. These enable effective crash investigations and analysis of safety equipment performance. Where appropriate, this data can be made available to relevant authorities through their investigatory powers, which is a matter for the Home Office. Many vehicles, not just electric vehicles, are fitted with Event Data Recorders (EDRs) due to requirements in other markets. The Government is exploring options for updates to our national type approval legislation to mandate fitment of EDRs along with other safety technologies and vehicle design features in Great Britain.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Passenger Watchdog will be (a) responsible for issuing passenger performance standards, (b) involved in drafting and publishing those standards before Great British Railways becomes operational; and when she expects the Passenger Watchdog to go live. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government consulted on proposals for a railways bill, including the creation of a new passenger watchdog, earlier in the year. The Government response to this consultation will be published in due course and we expect to introduce legislation to establish the watchdog later in this parliamentary session. The watchdog would then become operational as soon as possible after the legislation receives royal assent.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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David Mundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking with the Rail Delivery Authority to provide free train travel to veterans for remembrance events in 2025. \p Simon Lightwood: Rail operators will be supporting the Armed Forces community during this year’s Remembrance commemorations by offering free travel to Veterans and serving military personnel attending Remembrance Sunday services. In addition, complimentary travel will be provided to Royal British Legion volunteers and collectors participating in London Poppy Day.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of capping long-distance rail fares. \p Simon Lightwood: Great British Railways (GBR) will be empowered to deliver industry-wide modernisation and reform of the complex and fragmented fares landscape inherited from privatisation. This will enable GBR to simplify the ticketing system and make it easy for passengers to find the right fare, including on long-distance journeys.

We are also already driving forward improvements in advance of GBR. For example, we are supporting London North Eastern Railway to deliver its ‘Simpler Fares’ trial, which is testing an easier to understand fares structure and demand-based pricing on parts of its long-distance network. The aim is to improve the passenger experience by reducing crowding, making better use of capacity and making travel more comfortable for passengers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the potential renewable power generation capacity of Network Rail’s estate. \p Simon Lightwood: In May 2020 Network Rail carried out a survey and analysis of its land estate to assess the potential suitability for renewable energy generation. It was determined that there is potential capacity of 188 MWp across 34 potential sites.

Network Rail purchases electricity for the railway and is committed to transitioning to renewable energy for both the electricity it uses for its own operations, and the electricity to power trains. Network Rail already generates some of this electricity on the rail estate and is continuing the roll out of new renewable energy generation assets on the estate.

The government is committed to establishing Great British Energy and significantly increasing the amount of renewable energy generation in the UK by 2030.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_543
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Luke Murphy:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring a unique provisional driving licence number to book a driving test to help tackle the (a) bulk buying of driving tests by bot accounts and (b) reselling of driving slots. \p Simon Lightwood: When booking a driving test every customer must provide their unique UK driving licence number. A driving licence number can be assigned to only one car practical driving test within the booking system at a time.

DVSA encourages learner drivers to only use the official GOV.UK website to book and manage their driving test. The DVSA has published advice aimed at learner drivers warning them of the risks of using third party services/apps to book a practical driving test. Further information can be found on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/government/news/learner-drivers-warned-about-the-risks-of-driving-test-cancellation-finders.

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

www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-car-driving-test-booking-rules/improving-car-driving-test-booking-rules.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve public bus services for (a) secondary school pupils and (b) sixth form students in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Simon Lightwood: Home to School Transport policy is the responsibility of the Department for Education (DfE). The Government knows how important, reliable bus services are enabling people to access education. The Government is committed to delivering better bus services across the country, including to support better access to education.

The Government introduced the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill on 17 December as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill will put passenger needs, reliable services and local accountability at the heart of the industry by putting the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, including in rural areas. The Bill includes a measure on socially necessary services so that local authorities and bus operators have to have regard for alternatives to changing or cancelling services.

As part of the Autumn 2024 Budget, the Government allocated over £1 billion to support and improve bus services in 2025/26 and keep fares affordable. This includes £712 million for local authorities that can be used to expand services and improve reliability, which are currently massive obstacles for too many people. Surrey County Council has been allocated £12 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to deliver better bus services can be used in whichever way they wish to improve services for passengers, including expanding services and improving reliability.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in bus services long-term in this Spending Review. On 11 June, the Government confirmed additional funding per year from 2026/27 to maintain and improve bus services, including taking forward franchising pilots and extending the £3 bus fare cap until March 2027.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if her Department will make an assessment of the adequacy of ticket office opening hours at (a) Brinnington Station and (b) Heaton Chapel Station. \p Simon Lightwood: Heaton Chapel ticket office is currently open xx-xxxx-xxxx weekdays, 0700-1830 Saturdays and xx-xxxx-xxxx Sundays, while Brinnington is open xx-xxxx-xxxx weekdays and 0710-1440 Saturdays. These hours are compliant with section 17 of the Ticketing & Settlement Agreement, which sets out the various arrangements between operators relating to the sale of tickets.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Amanda Hack:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what technological steps her Department is considering taking to restore the number of practical driving test bookings back to pre-covid levels. \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.

As set out in DVSA’s 2024/25 business plan, DVSA is beginning the process of replacing it’s booking system. The system has many uses including:

booking and scheduling of all practical driving and riding tests

recording mandatory training taken by professional lorry and bus drivers

administering the register of approved driving instructors (ADIs) and the compulsory basic training (CBT) scheme for novice motorcyclists

DVSA will start by replacing the test booking and scheduling service. This will allow better capture and meeting of customers’ requirements, including those with additional needs. DVSA will update the way it schedules tests using modern, flexible technology that makes better use of examiners’ time and reduces manual processes.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests.

DVSA deploys bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_547
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Brian Mathew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many driving tests have been booked in Wiltshire in 2025. \p Simon Lightwood: The table below shows how many car practical driving tests have been booked for test centres serving Wiltshire in 2025.

Driving Test Centre

Tests Booked (Net Demand)

Chippenham

7,737

Salisbury

4,432

Swindon

8,694

Trowbridge

1,323

Total

22,186

*Trowbridge is a taking the test to the customer site so may not be open every day.

Information on the number of approved driving instructors by postcode, including for Wiltshire is available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/driving-instructor-and-motorcycle-instructor-register-data

The table below shows the (a) average and (b) longest waiting times for a practical car driving test for test centres serving Wiltshire over the last ten years.

Driving Test Centre

Average Waiting time (weeks)

Longest Waiting time (weeks)

Chippenham

12.6

24

Salisbury

10.7

24

Swindon

13.2

24

Trowbridge

14.5

24

*Trowbridge is a taking the test to the customer site so may not be open every day.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_548
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to stop learner drivers from using third parties to book their driving tests. \p Simon Lightwood: To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country, including in the Dunfermline and Dollar constituency.

DVSA encourages learner drivers to only use the official GOV.UK website to book and manage their driving test. The DVSA has published advice aimed at learner drivers warning them of the risks of using third party services/apps to book a practical driving test. Further information can be found on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/government/news/learner-drivers-warned-about-the-risks-of-driving-test-cancellation-finders.

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

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

DVSA deploys bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils.

Since this change DVSA has issued 237 warnings, 377 suspensions, and closed 880 business accounts.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_549
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_549

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many public electric vehicle chargepoints have been installed in each local authority area in England; and what assessment she has made of the level of regional difference in access to charging infrastructure. \p Keir Mather: The latest data available regarding the number of public charging devices for electric vehicles in each local authority area in England, as of 1 July 2025, can be found in table 1a of the attached document.

Government monitors public charging device roll out on a regional basis through our official statistics. Allocations for the Government’s £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund were designed to address regional differences in public charging infrastructure by accounting for existing levels of public charging infrastructure available across England. This will ensure charging provision develops across the country.

Government also recently announced a £25m grant for local authorities in England to install EV pavement channels. This investment is designed to be an extra tool for local authorities to use in their local charging solutions to support residents to charge.

The below table shows the number of public charging devices and the number per 100,000 of the population in each region of England.

Region

Public charging devices

Public charging devices per 100,000 of the population

North East

2,703

100.7

North West

5,669

75.4

Yorkshire and the Humber

4,141

74.7

East Midlands

3,792

76.8

West Midlands

7,658

127.2

East of England

6,249

97.7

London

24,419

275.4

South East

10,212

108.9

South West

5,829

101.1

Table of EV chargepoints - Local authorities (xlsx, 863.5KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_550

Mr Paul Kohler:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with train operators on the adequacy of criteria used to determine the provision of step-free access upgrades at train stations. \p Simon Lightwood: The criteria used to select existing projects for delivery under the Access for All were determined by the previous government.

The transition to Great British Railways will remove artificial industry separations and result in the integrated planning and delivery of programmes such as Access for All.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_551

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling GPs and hospital consultants to issue temporary blue badges to patients with severe mobility limitations who are experiencing long NHS waiting times for major surgery, with such badges to be reviewed at six-month intervals. \p Simon Lightwood: The aim of the Blue Badge scheme is to help people with substantial and enduring mobility problems caused by visible and non-visible (‘hidden’) disabilities to access goods and services, by allowing them to park close to their destination. Blue Badges may therefore be awarded to an individual with a disability that is expected to endure in some way for the three-year badge issue period.

As set out in legislation, the scheme is administered locally by the respective local authority, who are responsible for determining and implementing the administrative, assessment, and enforcement procedures which they believe are in accordance with the governing legislation. The Government has no plans to change how the scheme is administered at a local level.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_552

Sarah Green:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of delays in reinstatement of a medically revoked driving licence on people's capacity to work. \p Simon Lightwood: Although a specific assessment has not been carried out, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and understands the impact delays can have on people’s lives. Road safety remains our most important priority and the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards required for safe driving can be met before a licence is issued.

Driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated before a licence can be issued can take longer to process as the DVLA is often reliant on receiving information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. Where a driver contacts the DVLA to advise that they require their driving licence for employment, the application will be prioritised where possible.

The DVLA is currently rolling out a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions. This will enhance the handling of medical cases, support growing customer demand and help to reduce processing times. As part of this work, the DVLA has improved the quality of the correspondence provided to applicants and reviewed the questions asked of applicants and healthcare professionals when assessing medical fitness to drive, with a view to simplifying the process wherever possible.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_553

Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she make it her policy to consult the Climate Change Committee on proposals to expand Heathrow Airport. \p Keir Mather: In January, the Chancellor announced the government’s support for a third runway at Heathrow. In that announcement, the government committed to engaging the Climate Change Committee (CCC) as part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), on how aviation expansion can be made consistent with our net zero framework.

Over summer, the Department for Transport has been assessing proposals for a third runway at Heathrow from potential scheme promoters. The government is considering the proposals to inform the ANPS review. Further details on the assessment of scheme proposals, ANPS review and how the CCC will be engaged as part of the review will be announced shortly.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_554

Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support the uptake of low carbon fuels in the logistics sector. \p Keir Mather: The Department for Transport is actively supporting the uptake of low carbon fuels across the logistics sector through a range of measures. The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) remains a key policy tool, which has delivered 55 MtCO2e of greenhouse gas (GHG) savings since its inception in 2008, that’s about two thirds of transport’s GHG savings between 2008 and 2022.

In addition, the Department is advancing the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through the introduction of a SAF Mandate, the Advanced Fuels Fund to support UK producers, and the development of a revenue certainty mechanism to unlock private investment in domestic projects.

Recognising that achieving net zero in logistics will also require a transition to zero emission vehicles, we are accelerating the deployment of zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and the necessary refuelling and charging infrastructure through the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme.

The logistics sector plays a vital role in both economic growth and the UK’s net zero ambitions, and the Department remains committed to working closely with industry to support this transition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_555

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the announcement of 13 June 2025 on the installation of over 100,000 new local electric vehicle chargepoints in England, what her planned timetable is for this; and how many have been installed to date. \p Keir Mather: The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund has allocated capital and resource funding to local authorities across England, to ensure public chargepoint rollout improves significantly across the country. In total, the LEVI Fund will support the installation of at least 100,000 chargepoints across England.

The majority of LEVI projects have now been approved to go to delivery, the first contracts have been signed between local authorities and chargepoint operators, and the first projects have now started to install chargepoints. Installation rates will increase as more projects enter delivery, with installation expected to continue over the coming years.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_556

Carla Denyer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate (a) her Department and (b) HS2 Limited have made of the cost of construction of HS2 in each of the last five years. \p Keir Mather: Construction of HS2 Phase One started following notice to proceed in April 2020. Since October 2020, the cost to date of delivering HS2 is set out in the 6 monthly Parliamentary Report. Capital expenditure on Phase One is reported in the HS2 Ltd Annual Report and Accounts – expenditure for each of the last 5 years is summarised in the table below:

Year

Capital Expenditure on HS2 Phase One

2020/21

£3.1 billion

2021/22

£4.8 billion

2022/23

£6.6 billion

2023/24

£7.2 billion

2024/25

£6.8 billion

The Spending Review settlement has also provided £25.3 billion to progress delivery of HS2 from the West Midlands to London Euston covering financial years 2026-2027 to 2029-2030.

The programme is currently undergoing a fundamental reset under the leadership of CEO of HS2 Ltd, Mark Wild. As part of this reset, a revised cost estimate will be agreed and reported to Parliament in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_557

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the funding arrangements are for the (a) Department for Transport Operator Limited and (b) transfer of staff from Rail Service, Rail Strategy and Reform and Corporate Delivery. \p Simon Lightwood: Department for Transport Operator Limited (formerly DfT OLR Holding Limited) is the government’s public sector rail owning group and is currently funded by charging its train operating company subsidiaries for services provided but also by dividends when received. The Department for Transport will be able to confirm future funding arrangements for Department for Transport Operator Limited in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_558

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she expects Project Reach to be completed. \p Keir Mather: Network Rail’s Reach partners are developing a detailed delivery plan and hope to have made significant improvements to coverage this control period (end of 2029).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_559

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will publish any impact assessment for the transfer of staff to the Department for Transport Operator Limited from Rail Service, Rail Strategy and Reform and Corporate Delivery. \p Simon Lightwood: The planned transfer of some staff from DfT to the DfT Operator will take place under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations 2006. Formal consultation is expected to commence later in the autumn, and we will continue to communicate and share materials with staff and stakeholders as appropriate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_560

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department press release entitled Boost for British green aviation fuel production to support jobs and lift off emerging industry, published on 14 May 2025, how much of the (a) £400,000 and (b) £60 million will be allocated to (i) UK-headquartered companies and (ii) companies headquartered overseas; and how many jobs have been (A) created and (B) safeguarded, broken down by company receiving funding. \p Keir Mather: The press release concerns £63 million which was made available for the third competition window of the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF). The AFF aims to grow the UK supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by supporting first-of-a-kind production plants achieve commercial scale. The £400,000 is related to grant funding made available this financial year for the UK SAF Clearing House. The Clearing House provides services to potential UK SAF producers to help them navigate the testing and approval requirements for non-fossil-based jet fuel.

In respect of the AFF funding, £63 million has been allocated across 17 UK projects for this financial year. On points (i) and (ii), this funding can only be allocated to companies with a UK registered office for UK based projects.

In respect of Clearing House grant funding, the assessment process to allocate the £400,000 is still ongoing, however all recipients will have to be either a UK registered company or charity with a UK footprint.

Low carbon fuels production can support up to 15,000 jobs in the UK by 2050. In respect of job creation, information that is provided by AFF bidders and our Clearing House is commercially sensitive.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_561

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of the government’s target to deliver 300,000 public electric vehicle chargepoints by 2030 is dependent on private sector investment. \p Keir Mather: An estimate of potential future demand for chargepoints was originally published in the 2022 “Taking Charge: the National Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy” and ranged from 280,000 to 720,000 in 2030.

This analysis was updated in 2024 resulting in a range of 250,000 to 550,000 in 2030. While the precise number of public chargepoints needed is uncertain, the majority of these will be delivered by industry, who have already committed £6 billion of private sector investment in UK charging infrastructure before 2030.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_562
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_562

Adam Dance:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure there is consistent onboard information on request stops on rail services across the South West. \p Simon Lightwood: The process for request stops is standard for all stations on Great Western Railway’s (GWR) network. Alighting passengers must inform the conductor to request the stop, and boarding passengers need to signal the driver by raising their hand as the train approaches. However, I am aware that the operator has issues with some of their older fleet specifically for onboard information as the Passenger Information System is not always working as it should be. GWR are working with their technology supplier to improve the consistency of passenger information.