theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_316
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_316

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to Clauses 6, 12 and 13 of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill, what estimate she has made of the total cost to (a) passengers, (b) taxpayers, and (c) fuel suppliers arising from revenue certainty contracts and associated levy payments; and what steps she is taking to ensure that this support does not (i) create long-term subsidy dependence and (ii) disproportionately benefit overseas producers. \p Keir Mather: The Government set out the potential costs and benefits arising from the RCM scheme in the Cost-Benefit Analysis, published in May 2025, including potential costs for passengers and fuel suppliers. The scheme will be funded via a variable levy placed on aviation fuel suppliers, not by the taxpayer.

The RCM contracts will only be signed with UK-based SAF producers. These contracts will have a defined term length to ensure a clear end date to the subsidy and also sets a cap on the support for the sales of SAF to control the scale of the scheme. In addition, clause 1 (7) of the SAF Bill provides an end date, 10 years from the day on which the Act is passed, to new contracts being entered into.

We expect UK SAF production to be internationally competitive, with the RCM playing a key role to attracting investment for UK producers in a nascent market that is using innovative technologies. Whilst we are designing contracts, there is careful consideration towards how the volumes are sold under the RCM, including who are the offtakers and the end user’s location.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_317
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_317

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of safeguards for restricted private hire vehicle licences issued by local authorities. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is responsible for setting the regulatory structure within which 263 licensing authorities in England administer the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing regime. Licensing authorities must determine that all taxi and PHV drivers and PHV operators are ‘fit and proper’ to hold a licence but have flexibility on the requirements that must be met to demonstrate this. They must also ensure that vehicles are safe to carry members of the public.

The Department for Transport issues guidance to assist licensing authorities to enable the provision of safe and accessible services through proportionate regulation. The Department’s statutory guidance to licensing authorities on exercising their taxi and PHV licensing functions to protect children and vulnerable adults sets out a robust set of safeguarding measures. Licensing authorities must have regard to the guidance and my Department expects them to implement the recommendations unless there is a compelling local reason not to do so. The statutory guidance applies across taxi and PHV licensing, including licences issued on a “restricted” basis.

As recommended in the statutory guidance, all taxi and PHV licensing authorities in England (including East Cambridgeshire District Council) have advised the Department that for drivers they require the highest level of vetting available, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and a check of both the children’s and adults’ Barred Lists.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_318
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_318

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure the safety of public transportation workers from (a) violence and (b) other abuse. \p Lilian Greenwood: Violence or abuse against public transport workers is unacceptable. The Government is committed to ensuring that staff across the network not only feel safe but are safe while carrying out their duties. The Department for Transport works closely with the transport industry and, on the railways, with the British Transport Police to maintain a safe environment for both staff and passengers.

Through the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Government is proposing mandatory training for bus industry staff, including drivers and other frontline staff, to help them recognise and respond to crime and anti-social behaviour on the network. This training will make clear that staff should only intervene where it is safe to do so.

On the railways, the Department for Transport and British Transport Police continue to encourage operators to prioritise staff safety, including the wider adoption of Body Worn Video (BWV). A 2019 academic trial showed that BWV reduced violence against station staff wearing the devices by 47%.

It remains essential that all incidents of abuse or violence are reported to the police, so they can be properly investigated and offenders held to account.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_319
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_319

Caroline Voaden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his planned timetable is for informing local transport authorities of their Local Transport Grant allocation. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Local Transport Grant (LTG) is a £2.3bn grant for local transport enhancements and maintenance, comprising both capital and resource funding from 2026/27 onwards. The grant is allocated to local transport authorities in England outside of London and areas that receive City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) or Transport for City Regions (TCR) funding.

In June, individual local transport authority allocations for the £2.2bn of LTG capital funding were published on gov.uk, covering the years 2026/27 to 2029/30. In September, allocations for the remaining £104m of LTG resource funding were published, covering the years 2026/27 to 2028/29.

Further transport funding allocations for local transport authorities from 2026/27 onwards, including for highways maintenance, buses and active travel, will be announced in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_320
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_320

Peter Fortune:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of installing ticket barriers at Hayes station in Kent to help tackle (a) fare evasion and (b) anti-social behaviour. \p Simon Lightwood: Since coming into public ownership in 2021, Southeastern Trains have invested significantly in actions to tackle fare evasion and anti-social behaviour, including extra security trained staff at key locations, intelligence led revenue protection exercises, increased onboard ticket checks and increased gate line hours. Southeastern now have one of the lowest levels of ticketless travel across the country.

Installing a new gate line at an ungated station is expensive and therefore train operators prioritise stations that have higher levels of fare evasion and anti-social behaviour. Currently Southeastern Trains are focussing on projects to install gates at Ramsgate and Margate which will be delivered over the next 12-18 months. Southeastern Trains have conducted a high-level survey at Hayes which concluded that the station is suitable for the installation of ticket barriers, however further work is required over the coming months to develop the business case for future gating schemes.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_321
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_321

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department issued any formal directions to DfT Operator Limited in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26 in respect of (i) service performance and (ii) financial control. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department holds the individual DFTO Train Operating Companies (TOC) to account on both their service and financial performance, with close review of their performance against their service agreements. If the Department issues a DFTO TOC with a Notice to Improve, the TOC is required to publicise this, alongside an explanation for what has caused the failure and what they are doing to remedy it.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_322
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_322

Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce the (a) misuse (b) abuse and (c) theft of blue badges in Greater Manchester. \p Simon Lightwood: Local authorities have powers under the Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (England) Regulations 2000, for local authorities to withdraw a badge if the holder consistently misuses it or allows it to be misused by others. Similarly, authorities have the power to withdraw the badge if the holder ceases to be eligible, for example because their impairment has improved or because they obtained the badge by false representation.

The Department provides non-statutory guidance to local authorities on operating the scheme, including advice on enforcing the scheme, and regularly engages with local authority stakeholder groups to help share best practice.

It also works closely with organisations such as the British Parking Association (BPA) and Disabled Motoring UK (DM:UK), who advocate for stronger enforcement powers and better data sharing between councils. These efforts have led to increased penalties and prosecutions for misuse, and the confiscation of fraudulent or stolen badges.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_323
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_323

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Office of Rail and Road’s 2024–25 train operator statistics, whether she plans to use the data on (a) cancellations, (b) delay minutes and (c) compensation claims as a baseline for new rigorous performance standards. \p Simon Lightwood: GBR will bring together track and train, and there will be a greater whole-industry focus for the growing group of public sector operators as we move towards GBR. The department will expect GBR to meet targets for punctuality, reliability, service quality and customer satisfaction, and will be required to publish its performance against these targets on a regular basis.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_324
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_324

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions has she had with Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway since their open access application was rejected in July 2025. \p Simon Lightwood: My Department provided its support for Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway’s (WSMR) original application in February 2025 and officials have met with WSMR since July to discuss its views regarding the regulator’s decision to reject their application due to lack of capacity on the West Coast Main Line.

The Department respects the ORR’s ruling and acknowledges that large areas of the network are already operating at full capacity, but remains open to further engagement with WSMR – and other Open Access operators – as may be required in the future.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_325
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_325

Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she has taken with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) local authorities to reduce regional variations in transport support for disabled people. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government recognises the importance of accessible transport to enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. As part of our broader mission to break down barriers to opportunity, we recognise that more needs to be done to ensure transport is accessible to all, and we are committed to driving this change.

We are working closely with other government departments, operators, local authorities and passengers to achieve this – including through regularly meeting with the other lead ministers for disability to ensure we are doing all we can to remove barriers for disabled people.

We are committed to developing an Accessible Travel Charter. The charter is a commitment to a shared vision for accessible travel. It will aim to set out what disabled travellers can expect from their journeys and what to do when standards aren’t met, share best practice across organisations and create consistency in end-to-end journeys for disabled travellers. It will be co-designed by a range of stakeholders including local authorities to ensure it is achievable and impactful locally and nationally. The Accessible Travel Charter and our accessibility focus as a department is committed to making journeys accessible for all, irrespective of location or disability.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_326
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_326

Maya Ellis:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring train operating companies to guarantee an adequate level of family-friendly design on new trains. \p Simon Lightwood: In advance of establishing Great British Railways, the Government is developing a long-term rolling stock and infrastructure strategy, which will be the first for over 30 years. The strategy will set out our assessment of the likely long-term future rolling stock needs, and how those needs can best be met.

Passengers will be at the heart of the strategy. It will move us towards more consistent and accessible train designs that meet the needs of the passengers that use them, including families.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_327
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_327

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2025 to Question 65284 on Railways: West Midlands, what assessment she made of the potential impact of the Midlands rail hub on (a) capacity and (b) connectivity with the Sutton Park line. \p Simon Lightwood: Midlands Rail Hub creates the capacity for additional trains benefiting rail users across the region; it does not propose any changes to the Sutton Park Line.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_328
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_328

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help reduce the number of assaults on public transport in Devon. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport is working with industry to ensure that public transport is a safe environment for staff and passengers.

BTP are responsible for policing the railway, and they deploy their officers across the network, including in Devon, based on intelligence led briefings with daily taskings to provide reassurance to the public. BTP regularly carry out joint operations with Devon and Cornwall Police under Operation Servator which includes high visibility patrols at key railway infrastructure locations and known incident hotspots.

Through the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, we propose to mandate training for staff working in the bus industry, including drivers and those who deal directly with the travelling public, on how to recognise and respond to incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport. We intend to make clear that training will require a person to take steps to prevent crime or anti-social behaviour only where it is safe to do so.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_329
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_329

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps is she taking to a) support and b) encourage new open access rail applications. \p Simon Lightwood: We want a rail sector that is innovative and provides greater connectivity and understand that Open Access can support this aim. That is why we have been clear that we will support Open Access in the right circumstances, and why my department stands ready to engage with Open Access operators to assess the financial, operational and performance impacts of individual applications on a case-by-case basis. We will, however, only provide support to individual applications where benefits clearly outweigh costs to taxpayers and do not impact upon the efficient operation of the network.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_330
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_330

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has held recent discussions with (a) DB Cargo and (b) railway preservation groups on preserving the 58050 locomotive. \p Simon Lightwood: Freight operators are private sector companies who lease or own their rolling stock. Any such decisions relating to the preservation of locomotives would be a commercial matter for those freight operators.

The department has not held any recent discussions with DB Cargo or railways preservation groups regarding the preservation of the 58050 locomotive.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_331
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_331

Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what conditions for night time rail freight movements have been placed on the Oxford to Milton Keynes stretch of East West Rail. \p Simon Lightwood: A noise assessment for East West Rail (EWR) was undertaken for the Environmental Statement supporting the Transport and Works Act Order application for the railway. The assessment assumed a traffic flow of 8 freight trains composed of 36 wagons during the nighttime period (23:00 – 07:00). Mitigations have been provided for this in line with the Noise Insultation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_332
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_332

Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many night time freight movements are permitted on East West Rail. \p Simon Lightwood: A noise assessment for East West Rail (EWR) was undertaken for the Environmental Statement supporting the Transport and Works Act Order application for the railway. The assessment assumed a traffic flow of 8 freight trains composed of 36 wagons during the nighttime period (23:00 – 07:00). Mitigations have been provided for this in line with the Noise Insultation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_333
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_333

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress she has made on the appointment of a new CEO of DfT Operator Limited. \p Simon Lightwood: The contract for the current CEO of DfT Operator Limited is due to end in December 2025. In preparation for this, work is continuing to recruit a new CEO to ensure continued leadership for the organisation.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_334
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_334

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress she has made on the Midlands Rail Hub West Chord link; and when this work will be completed. \p Simon Lightwood: In the 2025 Spending Review the Chancellor committed to progress the next stage of Midlands Rail Hub, building on £123m previously released. Network Rail are procuring a contractor to design and build the scheme. The western scope of MRH is due to be completed in the early 2030s.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_335
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_335

Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when passenger services from Oxford to Milton Keynes will commence on East West Rail. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department is working closely with Chiltern Railways and other partners to confirm a start date for the service. We are looking forward to commencing services as soon as all necessary authorisations and agreements are in place. Passenger services will commence once train testing and driver training have been completed.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_336
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_336

Alberto Costa:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the (a) reliability and (b) punctuality of CrossCountry services operating between Birmingham, Leicester and Stansted Airport. \p Simon Lightwood: CrossCountry train services were not reliable enough in 2024 and the operator was subject to a Remedial Plan from August 2024 to March 2025. Since January 2025, CrossCountry train service performance has generally improved, although issues remain on Sundays. The Rail Minister has met CrossCountry Directors who are well aware that there is more for them to do. A new senior management team at CrossCountry is taking steps to address underlying issues within the business. We expect to see improvements for passengers, and will continue to hold the operator to account for delivery of the contractual performance benchmarks.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_337
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_337

Alberto Costa:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of service reliability on annual passenger footfall at Narborough Station since 2019. \p Simon Lightwood: Unreliable rail services disrupt passengers’ journeys and undermine passenger confidence. This is why we are taking steps to improve train service performance across the country to better deliver for passengers. Passenger numbers across all CrossCountry routes are similar to those that were seen in 2019. Office of Rail and Road figures show growth in demand at Narborough station, with an estimated 240,000 entries and exits in the 2023-24 financial year. This is an increase of 32,000 on the year before.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_338
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_338

Alberto Costa:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has received proposals on improving the (a) reliability, (b) capacity and (c) frequency of services serving Narborough station from CrossCountry. \p Simon Lightwood: We expect operators to plan services balancing the need to meet expected passenger demand, improve train service performance, be affordable and provide value for money for taxpayers. Office of Rail and Road station statistics show that service reliability at Narborough has generally improved in the eight weeks to 13 September 2025. Officials monitor CrossCountry performance closely and will continue to hold them to account for delivery of the contractual performance benchmarks.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_339
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_339

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the cost per tonne of carbon dioxide reduction achieved through the Revenue Certainty Mechanism compared to other Sustainable Aviation Fuel pathways; and what assessment she has made of the value for money of this policy for taxpayers. \p Keir Mather: The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate is the UK’s key policy to decarbonise jet fuel, and could deliver up to 6.3 megatonnes of carbon savings in 2040. The SAF Revenue Certainty Mechanism (RCM) will support investment in UK SAF production and delivery of SAF Mandate targets. The relevant greenhouse gas savings have been accounted for in the SAF Mandate’s Cost-Benefit Analysis.

The Government is committed to delivering value for money. The RCM will be funded via a variable levy on aviation fuel suppliers. The Government will actively monitor and control scheme costs, including through the setting of strike prices and by controlling the scale and number of contracts awarded, and it has set out the potential costs and benefits that may arise from the RCM scheme in the Cost-Benefit Analysis, published in May 2025.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_340
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_340

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the number of UK-based sustainable aviation fuel production facilities that have commenced construction since July 2022; and how many jobs have been created through those production facilities. \p Keir Mather: Through the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF) the government is providing funding to support first-of-a-kind commercial and demonstration-scale SAF projects in the UK. The Government is also introducing a revenue certainty mechanism to support UK-based SAF projects secure successful final investment decisions. The Department estimates that low carbon fuels production can support up to 15,000 jobs in the UK by 2050.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_341
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_341

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Department has identified any (a) underspends, (b) extensions and (c) project delays in the delivery of funding under the HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Fund. \p Keir Mather: Through the HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme the Department and industry partners are projected to deliver up to £35.7m of joint investment to enhance truck stops across England. This significant investment is in addition to joint investment by National Highways and industry of up to a further £30 million, aimed at improving lorry parking facilities along the strategic road network.

There has been no reduction in the government funding awarded through the scheme. Some operators who were awarded grants have, for a range of business and operational reasons beyond the government’s control, subsequently decided not to proceed with developments or reduced the scope of their projects.

Some of the reasons operators have given have been revisions to their projects’ scope, change of ownership, restructure at board level, financial difficulties and planning permission being denied for their works.

All applications that met the scheme’s criteria were approved funding by the DfT HGV Match Funding Grant Scheme. The scheme has been extended until March 2026 to allow more time for projects to be completed.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_342
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_342

Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to invest in upgrades to (a) the M60 and (b) other national highways. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department is currently developing the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), which will span the five-year period from April 2026 to March 2031. The Strategy is scheduled for publication in March 2026 and will outline the funding settlement allocated to National Highways for operating, maintaining, renewing, and enhancing the Strategic Road Network (SRN) during RIS3.

A draft version of the Strategy was published in August, setting out the overall funding envelope and the key objectives that National Highways is expected to achieve. RIS3 will build on the progress made since the first Strategy (RIS1) was introduced in 2015, continuing efforts to:

Deliver a long-term programme of capital renewals for ageing roads and structures

Implement committed enhancement schemes

Advance long-term performance targets

An Interim Settlement is currently in place for National Highways for the 2025–26 financial year.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_343
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_343

Sarah Coombes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of automated vehicles on road safety. \p Simon Lightwood: With 88% of road traffic collisions currently involving human error as a contributory factor, self-driving vehicles offer an opportunity to make our roads safer for the people who rely on them.

Government will publish a Statement of Safety Principles – subject to consultation and approval by Parliament – against which the safety of these vehicles will be assessed.

The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 commits us to framing the statement of safety principle with a view to securing that:

authorised automated vehicles will achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or higher than, that of careful and competent human drivers. This is the same high standard to which we hold humans, and a higher standard than that of the average driver on UK roads – which is dragged down by those who break the law, or who are distracted, tired, or intoxicated; and

road safety in Great Britain will be better because of authorised automated vehicles on roads than it would otherwise be.

Those companies that take responsibility for self-driving vehicles will be subject to a rigorous new regulatory regime, which will operate alongside an independent Incident Investigation function.

Together, this will build-in the same culture of learning and continuous improvement that has helped make our aviation, nuclear, and pharmaceutical industries some of the safest in the world.

In June 2025, we published a call for evidence on the statement of safety principles. Responses are now being analysed, and we intend to publish a further consultation on the principles in 2026.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_344
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_344

Sarah Coombes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure that data being transmitted by UK automated vehicles to manufacturers is not stored offshore. \p Simon Lightwood: Effective and secure storage of data produced by self-driving vehicles is vital for their deployment. Ahead of full implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 in the second half of 2027, the Department for Transport will be seeking further information on data storage as part of upcoming consultations on the regulatory framework.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_345
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_345

Sarah Coombes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current legislation in ensuring that there is sufficient (a) liability and (b) responsibility in the case of a collision caused by an automated vehicle. \p Simon Lightwood: The framework in place today, established by the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018, provides a process for Secretary of State to list vehicles as "automated" and sets out that if a listed vehicle causes an accident while driving itself, liability will be placed directly onto the vehicle's insurer. This provides victims with a clear and single point of contact for compensation.

The insurer’s liability may be limited where the injured party’s actions contributed to the accident. And after compensating the victim, the Act also gives the insurer the right to bring a claim against the party at fault for the accident, for example the vehicle manufacturer.

Vehicles piloted under the Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme will be listed under the 2018 Act if in the Secretary of State’s opinion they can safely and legally drive themselves for at least part of the journey without being monitored by a safety driver. Subject to consultation outcomes, the Automated Passenger Services permitting scheme is expected to be in place from Spring 2026.

Once the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 is fully in force, which we expect to happen in the second half of 2027, listing decisions will be replaced by the Secretary of State’s decisions as to whether to authorise vehicles. As with listing, vehicles will only be authorised if the Secretary of State is satisfied that the vehicles can safely and legally drive themselves. The rest of the provisions of the 2018 Act will continue to apply so that the insurer will be liable if an authorised vehicle causes an accident when driving itself.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_346
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_346

Sarah Coombes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure occupant safety in automated vehicles. \p Simon Lightwood: The Automated Passenger Services permitting scheme consultation sought views from respondents on what sort of information could be published by permit holders in respect of the safeguarding of passengers. The consultation closed at the end of the September and responses are being analysed.

Government intends that any organisation wishing to deploy an automated passenger services can evidence robust safeguarding policies to ensure passenger safety throughout the journey.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_347
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_347

Sarah Coombes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with manufacturers on helping to ensure that (a) disabled people and (b) people with accessibility needs are served adequately by automated vehicles. \p Simon Lightwood: Ministers and officials regularly engage with the self-driving vehicle industry to understand opportunities and emerging best practice in respect of accessibility. For example, Waymo, a leading autonomous ride-hailing company and a member of the Department’s Automated Vehicles Industry Working Group, works with disability advocates through the Waymo Accessibility Network to involve disabled people in their work to improve access to their services.

A range of individuals and companies, including vehicle manufacturers, submitted responses to the Automated Passenger Services (APS) Statutory Instrument Consultation that closed at the end of September. The consultation sought views on the types of information that permit holders should publish on how any new service is meeting the needs of older and disabled people. These responses are being analysed, and we intend to issue a government response in 2026.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_348
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_348

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of Government (a) incentives and (b) grant schemes for (i) fleet and (ii) company vehicles on the wider retail market for new low-emission cars. \p Keir Mather: Favourable tax rates for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), including the lowest first year rates of Vehicle Excise Duty and preferential Benefit in Kind rates, have been a key driver of ZEV adoption for both fleet operators and companies.

Likewise, Plug-in Vehicle Grants have boosted the market share of ZEVs since they were introduced in 2011. Grants remain available for vans, trucks, motorcycles and wheelchair accessible vehicles.

The recently announced Electric Car Grant (ECG) is encouraging purchases of low cost zero emission cars in the wider retail market by providing discounts of up to £3,750.

We are committed to working with industry to deliver a successful transition to ZEVs, and we will be engaging industry on the grant as it evolves – as we do with all Government grants.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_349
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_349

Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help support the (a) development and (b) adoption of vehicle to grid technology. \p Keir Mather: The Government is committed to supporting the rapid development and adoption of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology as it has the potential to reduce the cost of electric vehicle (EV) ownership while supporting the decarbonisation of our energy system.

Whilst the technology is still nascent, it is quickly commercialising. The Government is currently providing industry with over £10m innovation funding support through its V2X Innovation Programme (2022-2025). This is in addition to the funding support of over £28m previously provided through its Vehicle-to-Grid innovation programme (2018-2022).

The Government and Ofgem outlined collective ambitions and further actions relating to Vehicle-to-Grid technology in the Clean Flexibility Roadmap published in July 2025. These include removing financial barriers, such as the double charging of levies on re-exported electricity, as well as improving grid connection processes and enabling technical interoperability for V2X.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_350
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_350

Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate on the development of non-electric technologies to power motor cars. \p Keir Mather: The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate sets annual targets for the proportion of new zero emission cars and vans sold in the UK. This regulation does not require that new zero emission vehicles be electric, only that they emit no CO2 from the tailpipe. The ZEV Mandate therefore considers any vehicles that meet that criteria to be zero emission, including, for example, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Currently, battery electric is the leading ZEV technology.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_351
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_351

Stephen Flynn:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will launch a consultation on the electric vehicle pavement channels grant; and whether that grant will be treated as a subsidy. \p Keir Mather: A range of stakeholders were engaged during the policy development of the Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels grant, including local government, cross-pavement solution providers, chargepoint operators and disability groups. No further consultation on the grant is planned.

We have assessed the grant under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and determined that it is not a subsidy.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_352
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_352

Marie Goldman:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of removing the requirement for landlords to apply for at least five parking spaces to qualify for the electric vehicle infrastructure grant. \p Keir Mather: The requirement for landlords to apply for at least five parking spaces applies to the Staff and Fleets and Residential Landlords infrastructure grants within the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (EVCG). The requirement is in place to encourage landlords to consider future needs when installing charging infrastructure in commercial and residential car parks.

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles continually monitors and reviews grants to optimise delivery and value for money.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_353
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_353

Alex Ballinger:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the transition to electric vehicles on small businesses that provide repairs to diesel vehicles. \p Keir Mather: The Government's Industrial Strategy sets out our plans to upskill the nation with an extra £1.2 billion each year by 2028-29 and to deliver more opportunities for people at all stages of life to learn and earn in our high-growth sectors. The newly created agency Skills England will work with partners to assess skills needs at national, regional and local levels, and the Department for Education has committed to a new skills and growth offer to support meeting these needs.

We are evolving apprenticeships into a new Growth and Skills Offer to provide greater flexibility for employers and learners, in line with the Industrial Strategy. The offer will boost skills in the sector through initiatives like the Electrification Skills Network, which supports the development of a nationally consistent approach to electrification skills in parallel to technology; and the Electric Revolution Skills Hub, which connects the Power Electronics, Machines and Drives community through a digital platform that gives access to training, development and jobs across the nation.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_354
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_354

Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will review the adequacy of fire safety guidance on installing EV chargers in car parks beneath blocks of flats. \p Keir Mather: The safety of electric vehicles (EV) and their charging is of paramount importance to the Government and is kept under regular review.

All EV chargepoint installations are subject to regulations and electrical standards. In July 2023, the department published fire safety guidance for covered car parks, to support car park operators, designers, and owners when installing EV chargepoint infrastructure.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_355
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_355

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce antisocial behaviour on public transport. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department is working across government and with partners, including the British Transport Police (BTP), the transport industry and local authorities, to ensure that everyone feels and is safe when travelling.

This includes proposals in the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill, such as staff training on how to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour (ASB).  The Bill also enables all Local Transport Authorities to introduce byelaws to tackle ASB on vehicles, as well as within and at bus-related infrastructure (for example bus stations).

On the rail network, DfT and the BTP are committed to working closely with Train Operating Companies to ensure our railways are safe, reliable, and efficient for all passengers, staff, and communities. This includes tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) that might annoy, frighten, intimidate, or otherwise upset other people.

In addition, in November 2023, the Department provided £2.5 million for five pilot schemes in England, aimed at tackling ASB on public transport, primarily by introducing Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) on the network. The pilots came to an end in March 2025, and a full evaluation of the programme is being carried out. We are also developing a guide for local authorities who are considering using similar schemes to allow them to decide whether these approaches would work on their local networks.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_356
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_356

Sir Jeremy Hunt:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will support the proposal made by the Netherlands government to amend the shoulder height requirements in regulation R129 at the upcoming 77th meeting of the UN Working Party on Passive Safety in Geneva in December. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport noted the informal document presented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the 77th meeting of the UNECE Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) in May 2025 to amend Regulation 129 on Child Restraint Systems. An associated working document was published on 23 September for the 78th meeting of GRSP in December.

The Government treats road safety seriously and is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. Where there is clear evidence of a substantial safety issue related to the design of vehicle accessories, the Department will consider positively the evolution of international regulations and will assess this proposal carefully in advance of the next meeting of GRSP.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_357
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_357

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure that road safety improvements do not adversely impact (a) the reduction of emissions, (b) the use of sustainable transport and (c) other environmental objectives. \p Lilian Greenwood: Improving road safety is one of my Department’s highest priorities. However, it is vital that we do not inadvertently impact the environment when implementing measures to improve safety. To ensure this, and in line with the Environment Act 2021, Ministers will comply with their legal duty to have due regard to the Environmental Principles Policy Statement when making policy decisions.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_358
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_358

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to integrate (a) modern road safety technology, (b) smart signage and (c) AI-based monitoring systems into transport planning for new housing developments in Essex. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Road Safety Strategy is under development and will include a broad range of policies. More details will be set out in due course.

More broadly, we are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to continue to actively explore innovations in the housing and planning sector, such as the recent PropTech Innovation Challenge that is funding innovative and scalable PropTech solutions to help deliver homes.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_359
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_359

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of the £123 million allocated to the development of the Midlands Rail Hub has been assigned to design the East Chord of the Midlands Rail Hub. \p Keir Mather: In the 2025 Spending Review the Chancellor committed to progress the next stage of Midlands Rail Hub, which includes the East Chord, building on £123m previously released. Network Rail are procuring a contractor to design and build the scheme.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_360
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_360

Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress she has made on the Ely Junction Upgrade Scheme. \p Keir Mather: The Ely Area Capacity Enhancement (EACE) programme was paused by the previous government in 2022.

The Secretary of State updated Parliament on the 7th of July on which rail and road infrastructure projects will proceed following the 2025 Spending Review.

At this stage, the EACE programme was not allocated funding. I fully recognise the strategic importance of the EACE programme. It has a strong case for future investment, and we are committed to working with stakeholders to support its place in the pipeline of future rail enhancements.