Department for Transport

Department officials are in regular conversation with South-Western Railway regarding its service provision in response to demand. When reviewing train services, the Department needs to assess business cases and balance demand with value for the taxpayer in its considerations. The Department believe this balance to be appropriate.

Police access to CCTV is an essential tool for use not only when investigating crime on the rail network, but also to equip Police Officers with effective situational awareness and evidence when making decisions in ongoing incidents.

The Department is in regular contact with the BTP and the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) about making the best use of technology, including discussing funding options for new activities.

The British Transport Police costs for policing the railways, including its resources for reviewing CCTV, are met by funding agreements with train operators rather than from the Department for Transport. The BTPA, which is independent and includes representatives from the rail industry, sets the BTP budget annually.

Rail North Partnership, on behalf of the Department and Transport for the North is currently examining a business case for the increase in services along the Durham Coast line to these two stations, with effect from the December 2025 timetable. The analysis must balance the economic and social benefits of this enhancement with the performance of existing services and the financial impact on taxpayer subsidy.

The Department works with all its Train Operating Companies on the frequency and reliability of services, including those in Herefordshire, where it also liaises with Transport for Wales on its services through the county. We are aware that West Midlands Trains (WMT) services to Birmingham have suffered reliability issues and shorter trains in recent months, and WMT is implementing a focused set of initiatives to mitigate this.

Transport for London (TfL) and Operators can consider and propose Oyster expansion where a positive business case can be demonstrated.

No such proposals have been put forward to the Department. However, we are expanding ticketing innovations such as Pay As You Go (PAYG) to more stations and this month we launched PAYG with contactless at Berkhamsted station to join Harpenden station which got contactless PAYG in 2019.

Ensuring accessibility for all passengers is at the heart of our passenger-focused approach. Whenever the industry carries out work at stations this must meet current accessibility standards, including for visual and audible announcements. Furthermore, all train and station operators are required to establish and comply with an Accessible Travel Policy which sets out, amongst other things, the arrangements and assistance that an operator will provide to protect the interests of disabled people using its services. We have recently funded the next phase of the Passenger Assist programme, this will build on the existing programme and deliver an improved and more consistent assistance offer for all passengers who require assistance.

Police access to CCTV is an essential tool for use not only when investigating crime on the rail network, but also to equip Police Officers with effective situational awareness and evidence when making decisions in ongoing incidents.

The Department is working with British Transport Police (BTP) and train operators to ensure sufficient access to CCTV, so that the force can carry out its policing duties across the rail network.

On 1 January 2024, Northern had 904 carriages. The average number of carriage journeys made by Northern Trains in January was 6543 per day across all train configurations.

The level of charges at the Dartford Crossing is kept under review to maintain its effective operation. Given the additional capacity provided by the Silvertown Tunnel and that for most of the day the charges for cars, vans and lorries at the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels will be less than those at the Dartford Crossing, the Department expects minimal changes in total demand at the Dartford Crossing when tolling at the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels begins, and therefore this would not require amendment of the charges levied there.

Future rail infrastructure investment will be considered as part of the current Spending Review, which will conclude in June 2025.

Future rail infrastructure investment will be considered as part of the current Spending Review, which will be concluded in June 2025.

Future rail infrastructure investment will be considered as part of the current Spending Review, which will conclude in June 2025.

No specific assessment has recently been made of the adequacy of train services between Liverpool and Winsford. West Midlands Trains, who operate London North-Western Railway, keeps train loadings under review and is expected to adjust train lengths where possible if required.

No specific discussions have been held with London Northwestern on the subject of the adequacy of train services between Liverpool and Winsford. West Midlands Trains, who operate London Northwestern, keep train loadings under review and is expected to propose adjustments to train lengths and timetables where possible if required.

The Government has no current plans to legislate in this space. However, we are determined to seize the opportunities of emerging micromobility and tackle any negative impacts which may arise. We are actively monitoring the industry, new vehicle types, and new business models, and we will keep under review the case for legislative change.

The Government believes that local transport authorities are best placed to advocate for projects which will most benefit their local areas. The ultimate aim is to encourage strong business cases, which effectively identify the optimal transport solution, which support growth, more homes and increased job opportunities.

The Government believes that local transport authorities are best placed to advocate for projects which will most benefit their local areas. The ultimate aim is to encourage strong business cases, which effectively identify the optimal transport solution, which support growth, more homes and increased job opportunities.

At present there is no evidence that the department has received that suggests that the definitions require updating. The department keeps all of its guidance under review and should there be a need to, updates guidance accordingly.

Ensuring the safety of passengers on the rail network is a priority for the department. We work closely with BTP, the rail industry, and Home Office police forces for cross government strategies to tackle violence against women and girls, and we have ambitions in this space to reduce offences on the transport network.

There are currently no plans to change existing roles and responsibilities regarding safety and tackling crime and anti-social behavior. The British Transport Police will continue to police the rail network in England, Scotland and Wales.

The gov.uk website provides a definition of abandoned when discussing derelict vessels. Guidance is available on Wreck and salvage law - GOV.UK and port association websites.

Responsibility for light rail is devolved in England, where each local authority owns and is responsible for the operations and financial sustainability of its system.

Future local transport funding is subject to the outcome of the upcoming Spending Review.

Responsibility for light rail is devolved in England, where each local authority owns and is responsible for the operations and financial sustainability of its system.

The economic contribution of each scheme can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including specific project conditions and requirements, geography, urban density, and land values.

The Department will continue to work alongside local authorities to assess the economic contribution of light rail schemes.

Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway, the applicant behind the Wrexham to Euston proposal, is an aspirant open access operator and as such has no direct contractual arrangement or direct financial support from Government. Therefore, although the Department recently supported this application, it has no remit over Wrexham, Shopshire & Midlands Railway and their operations, including proposed station stops, as this would be a commercial decision to be taken directly by the operator.

This Government wants everyone to have access to public transport and is committed to improving services, so they are more inclusive and enable people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. This includes making sure that all passengers, whether adults or children, can make the journeys that they want and need to make.

As we bring forward bus reform, Great British Railways and a new Passenger Standards Authority, as well producing our vision for the future of transport through the Integrated National Transport Strategy, we will listen carefully to all people and their representatives as we make transport safe, inclusive and accessible for all.

The Government keeps all policies under review and is aware that neurodiverse people can face inadequate or discriminatory treatment when using taxis and private hire vehicles. We recognise the role of effective training in equipping drivers and operator staff with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support passengers appropriately. The latest best practice guidance for licensing authorities in England confirms our expectation that all drivers undergo training which should include, among other topics, how to engage with people with different communication needs.

The Government continues to consider how to improve the regulation of the sector to enable the provision of safe and accessible services that meet a wide range of passenger needs.

The Department for Transport has made no assessment as we are unaware of the regulatory health checks referred to in the question. It is important that a mobility scooter is not used in a manner that is detrimental to the safety of the user or others.

Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are intended to provide local outdoor mobility for disabled people or those with mobility difficulties.

Creating a consistent, reliable mobility scooter policy which balances the interests of all road users continues to be a challenge. However, the Department is committed to ensuring that users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs remain safe, mobile and independent.

My Department works with industry to identify any skills gaps to ensure their workforce is resilient. There are three main approaches Government is taking to support the pipeline of talent:

- Encouraging opportunities for all with the ‘Generation Aviation’ programme raising the profile of aviation careers, removing barriers to access and attracting diverse and talented people to tackle new technologies, decarbonisation and other emerging trends. This includes the Reach for the Sky fund supporting outreach projects that only last week I announced the winners for 2025.

- Making it easier to train engineers and pilots of the future by transforming the apprenticeships levy into a new growth and skills levy, which will offer greater flexibility to employers and learners. As well as encouraging industry to fully funded pilot training programmes and applaud effort of companies such as TUI and British Airways which have established sustainable pipeline for budding aviators.

- Following EU exit, my Department sympathises with the difficulties faced by stakeholders in the aviation industry and establishing an effective personnel licensing regime that supports UK aviation remains a priority for us.

Yes, I can reassure My Honourable Friend that our departments are working closely together to deliver on this manifesto commitment. You will notice that the recently published consultation on the principles for a land use framework specifically reference transport issues and include questions about its role. This is because both departments recognise:

- that different spatial choices will impact trip generation and travel patterns;

- that transport data – such as our emerging national measure of connectivity – are key to guide decisions about land; and

- that vision-led approaches can help better coordinate land use and transport issues.

I can reassure My Honourable Friend that we will continue to work closely with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on land use questions; firstly, to respond to the representations received through the consultation and then to ensure that transport issues and fully considered in the future development of the Land Use Framework.

The Department requires all train operators, including Southeastern, to plan services and timetables designed to meet passenger demand while also ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. Timetables are kept under review and, where appropriate, adjusted to reflect fluctuations in demand. There are currently no plans to introduce additional services on this route in the evening or at weekends. However, as part of the forthcoming May timetable change Southeastern will introduce two new weekday services on the Bexleyheath line, as follows:

• 1025 Charing Cross to Dartford
• 1523 Dartford to Charing Cross

Network Rail do not record this information centrally.

The government believes that everyone should be able to make journeys on public transport services without fearing that they will become a victim of crime. It is especially concerning that people should experience disability hate crime whilst using buses and trains, and operators must do all they can to challenge such unacceptable behaviour in partnership with relevant authorities.

We introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill which focuses on delivering safe, more reliable bus networks. The Bill sets requirements for mandatory training on how to recognise and respond appropriately to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour, on buses for staff, including drivers and those who deal directly with the travelling public or with issues related to the travelling public. This Bill will also extend requirements for relevant bus staff to undertake training relating to disabled passengers.

Provisions in the Bus Services (No 2) Bill would also give all local transport authorities the power to make bus byelaws, which can be enforced by local authority officers on vehicles and at bus stations and stops. This, combined with targeted enforcement, should lead to safer networks. Transport Safety Officers or Transport Safety and Enforcement Officers are also already operating in some areas, including those participating in the Department’s Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour on Transport pilots.

The British Transport Police (BTP) are responsible for policing the rail network in England, Scotland and Wales. They take any reports of crime seriously, including disability hate crimes. The BTP works closely with the rail industry, including train operators, to target offenders across the network and ensure it remains a safe environment for passengers and rail staff. The BTP encourage crime to be reported via it is 61016 text number or in an emergency to call 999.

Everyone should feel safe cycling and harassment and intimidation of women cycling is totally unacceptable. Public sexual harassment is a crime that often leaves victims, who are disproportionately likely to be women, feeling very unsafe. That is why tackling it is very much an important part of our mission on VAWG.

Active Travel England is working with local authorities to provide high-quality cycling infrastructure which should help women feel safer when cycling. Design guidance for new infrastructure, such as that funded through the Active Travel Fund, requires that new schemes are accessible to all users, including women. This can include providing lighting for walking and cycling schemes, improving social safety and delivering road safety improvements to existing schemes.

We do not hold that information.

Decisions regarding categorisation of spending at this level fall within National Highways’ delegated authority. There have been no discussions with National Highways on its spending on the maintenance of balancing ponds and there are no plans to ask National Highways to change the granularity of its financial reporting in 2025/26.

Decisions regarding categorisation of spending at this level fall within National Highways’ delegated authority. There have been no discussions with National Highways on its spending on the maintenance of balancing ponds and there are no plans to ask National Highways to change the granularity of its financial reporting in 2025/26.

All types of road vehicle headlamps are designed, tested, and approved to internationally recognised standards to help prevent undue glare and ensure safety on a broad range of roads and environments.

However, noting increased public concern, Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes of headlamp glare. The work is underway and is due to deliver in summer 2025.

The ownership and management of National Highways’ assets, at this level, fall within National Highways’ delegated authority. The Department does not plan to make an assessment on the future ownership of balancing ponds owned by National Highways.

The GM701 standard (as referenced in the Answer of 3 February 2025 to Question 26374) covers the asset maintenance requirements of the Strategic Road Network. National Highways determines the maintenance works to be undertaken on all assets based on the GM701 standard, asset need and budget availability and this assessment is undertaken annually, with updates undertaken periodically.

The Department does not have any current plans to assess the standard GM701.

Independent assessment and monitoring of National Highways is, however, undertaken by the Highways Monitor, the Office of Road and Rail (ORR), to ensure effectiveness in operating the Strategic Road Network (SRN) and compliance with its Licence. The ORR have previously set out clear expectations of maintenance in their annual reports, which also includes assessment of National Highways’ Asset Management strategy and performance or compliance with standards.

The Department does not plan to make an assessment of the potential impact of maintaining balancing ponds owned by National Highways on the climate resilience of the transport network; National Highways already follow prescribed maintenance regimes so the capacity of balancing ponds is retained.

The provision of balancing ponds for flood mitigation has been common practice in highway design for many decades and is usually determined as part of a flood risk assessment during the design of a road. It should, however, be noted that the provision of balancing ponds is not usually for the protection of the highway, but to prevent downstream flooding once the water leaves National Highways’ boundary.

Additionally, I would like to reassure you that that climate change requirements are included in National Highways’ drainage design standards, having been introduced in 2006. Since then, National Highways drainage schemes, including balancing ponds, are designed with the latest climate change allowances in accordance with relevant published national policy to ensure resilience to flooding.

National Highways’ financial systems do not categorise spending to this granularity, however, National Highways estimate approximately £380,000 has been spent on balancing ponds in Bedfordshire since October 2019. Spend on balancing ponds includes general maintenance such as de-reeding, de-silting and jetting, alongside ancillary work including clearance of vegetation, removing fly-tipped waste and renewing fences around the ponds.

Staffordshire County Council is the local highway authority for Newcastle-under-Lyme. For the 2024/25 financial year, the previous Government allocated Staffordshire County Council £28.935 million for local highway maintenance. For the 2025/26 financial year, this Government is providing Staffordshire County Council with £39.465 million, an increase of around £10.5 million, for local highway maintenance. Funding is not ring-fenced, and it is entirely a matter for Staffordshire County Council to determine how the money is best spent to improve its local highway network according to its needs and circumstances.

The Department advocates a risk-based whole life cycle asset management approach to local authority highways maintenance programmes. This considers all parts of the highway network, such as bridges, cycleways and lighting columns – not just the fixing of potholes.

My Department is continuing to work productively with both the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) and Transport for London (TfL) to explore possible next steps for the Hammersmith Bridge restoration project.

As the asset owner, LBHF is ultimately responsible for the repair and maintenance of Hammersmith Bridge. Given the challenging fiscal environment, the Department is clear that any further funding consideration is contingent upon an agreed engineering solution and cost sharing approach between partners.

Investment in active travel will play a key part in delivering the Government’s economic growth, health and net zero emissions by helping to revitalise high streets, improve air quality and enable people to live longer, healthier lives.

On 12 February, the Government announced the details of almost £300 million of funding for active travel in 2024/5 and 2025/6. This will help local authorities to provide high-quality and easily accessible active travel schemes across England and will enable more children to walk and cycle to school. Decisions on future funding for active travel, as well as on other areas of transport expenditure, will be taken as part of the Government’s Spending Review.

The Department has recently announced nearly £300 million of funding to help local authorities and Sustrans to introduce and improve walking and cycling paths, and to fund promote walking, wheeling and cycling.

As of 1 February 2025, the Government and industry have supported the installation of 74,234 publicly available charging devices (including 14,687 rapid charging devices).

Since 2021, the Department has awarded over £460m of dedicated funding for zero emission buses and infrastructure in England (outside London). Future funding to support the continued decarbonisation of the bus sector, as well as to support local authorities to deliver important air quality improvements, will be considered as part of the forthcoming Spending Review.