Department for Transport

We work with our agencies and partners to support the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Louise Haigh
Secretary of State for Transport

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Randerson (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Transport)
Wera Hobhouse (LD - Bath)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Transport)

Conservative
Helen Whately (Con - Faversham and Mid Kent)
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Alec Shelbrooke (Con - Wetherby and Easingwold)
Shadow Minister (Transport)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Greg Smith (Con - Mid Buckinghamshire)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Transport)
Kieran Mullan (Con - Bexhill and Battle)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Transport)
Ministers of State
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Lilian Greenwood (Lab - Nottingham South)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Mike Kane (Lab - Wythenshawe and Sale East)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Simon Lightwood (LAB - Wakefield and Rothwell)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Tuesday 10th September 2024
Select Committee Docs
Tuesday 28th May 2024
11:00
Select Committee Inquiry
Friday 30th June 2023
Future of transport data

The Transport Committee is inquiring into the potential uses of data to improve planning and delivery of transport services, management …

Written Answers
Tuesday 10th September 2024
Train Operating Companies: Investment
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the transition …
Secondary Legislation
Monday 9th September 2024
Merchant Shipping (General Lighthouse Authorities) (Increase of Borrowing Limit) Order 2024
Under section 215 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, general lighthouse authorities may borrow money for certain purposes and subject …
Bills
Thursday 25th July 2024
High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision for a railway between a junction with Phase 2a of High Speed 2 south of …
Dept. Publications
Tuesday 10th September 2024
15:27

Department for Transport Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

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Bills currently before Parliament

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Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Department for Transport has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Department for Transport - Secondary Legislation

These Regulations bring into effect paragraphs (b) to (g) of section 123A(4) of the Transport Act 2000, such that the types of authorities listed in those paragraphs are included within the meaning of “franchising authority” for the purposes of Part 2 of that Act (local transport).
Under section 215 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, general lighthouse authorities may borrow money for certain purposes and subject to obtaining the necessary consents. Under section 216(1) the aggregate amount that may be outstanding in respect of the principal of any sums borrowed is limited to £100 million. This Order increases that limit by £33 million with effect from 31 December 2024, in accordance with section 216(2) of that Act.
View All Department for Transport Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

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Department for Transport has not participated in any petition debates
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Departmental Select Committee

Transport Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


0 Members of the Transport Committee
Transport Committee: Previous Inquiries
Young and novice drivers Coronavirus: implications for transport e-scooters HS2: update NATS: failure in air traffic management systems Railway network disruption over Christmas Work of the Department for Transport 2010-15 The work of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Volkswagen Group emissions violations Operation Stack inquiry Vehicle type approval inquiry All lane running inquiry Surface transport to airports inquiry Road traffic law enforcement inquiry Road haulage sector: Skills and workforce planning inquiry Maritime Policy and Coastguard Modernisation inquiry The Department for Transport and rail policy Investing in the railway NATS inquiry Network Rail: update Strategic river crossings Motoring of the future Smaller airports Government motoring agencies - the user perspective Transport's winter resilience: Christmas 2013 Transport's winter resilience: rail flooding Security on the railway The cost of motor insurance: whiplash Airports Commission: Interim Report Draft National Policy Statement on National Networks Cycling safety: follow up High Speed Rail: follow up Offshore helicopter safety Access to ports Transport and the Olympics The work of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) Local authority parking enforcement Cost of motor insurance: whiplash Aviation Strategy Competition in the local bus market Access to transport for people with disabilities Low Carbon Vehicles Marine Pilotage Land Transport Security Road Freight Road Safety Rail 2020 Rail franchising Transport's winter resilience The Work of Network Rail Local decision making on transport spending Better roads Maritime strategy Safety at level crossings Drink & drug driving law Transport and the economy Cost of motor insurance Bus services after the Spending Review Licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles Effective road and traffic management Impact on transport of adverse weather conditions Sulphur emissions by ships Cable theft on the railway Work of the DVLA and DSA Draft Civil Aviation Bill Flight time limitations Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) reform Coastguard Service Regional breakdown of public transport expenditure Cancellation of the InterCity West Coast franchise competition Passenger transport in isolated communities Cancelled Rail electrification schemes inquiry Intercity East Coast rail franchise inquiry Traffic Commissioners inquiry Active travel inquiry Local roads funding and governance Pre-appointment hearing on ORR inquiry Rail timetable changes inquiry BMW vehicle recall inquiry Freight and Brexit inquiry Health of the bus market inquiry Network Rail priorities inquiry Taxi and private hire reform in England inquiry HS2: update with Allan Cook inquiry Pavement parking inquiry Road Safety inquiry Trains fit for the future? inquiry The work of Highways England inquiry Williams Rail Review inquiry Priorities of the new Secretary of State for Transport inquiry Departmental policy and performance: Update with the Secretary of State inquiry Railways: Update with the Rail Minister inquiry Road safety: young and novice drivers inquiry Road safety: mobile phones inquiry Community Transport inquiry Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) inquiry Policy priorities for the Department for Transport inquiry Aviation and Brexit inquiry Mobility as a Service inquiry Rail infrastructure investment inquiry National Drowning Prevention Strategy one-off session Transocean Winner incident and emergency towing vessels one-off session Maritime Growth Study inquiry Airspace management and modernisation inquiry Vauxhall vehicle fires one-off session Airports National Policy Statement inquiry Volkswagen emissions follow-up session Drones inquiry HS2: CH2M contract one-off session Rail compensation one-off session Rail franchising inquiry Rail technology: signalling and traffic management inquiry Improving the rail passenger experience inquiry Airport expansion in the South East inquiry Bus Services Bill inquiry Urban congestion inquiry Departmental priorities and annual report and accounts one-off session High Speed Two one-off session Rail safety inquiry Vauxhall Zafira B fires one-off session Trains fit for the future? Self-driving vehicles Accessible transport: legal obligations National Networks National Policy Statement Strategic road investment Our future transport Minimum service levels for rail Future of transport data Strategic transport objectives Active travel Departmental policy and performance: Update with the Secretary of State Health of the bus market Local roads funding and governance Pavement parking Priorities of the new Secretary of State for Transport Railways: Update with the Rail Minister Road Safety Road safety: mobile phones Road safety: young and novice drivers Trains fit for the future? Williams Rail Review The work of Highways England

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress she has made on securing workforce reform as part of pay talks with the rail industry.

Our railways are broken and need change, but we simply cannot do this until we reset our relationships with unions. The breakthroughs on pay will mark a new era of industrial relations, getting unions and TOCs back around the table, and changing the tone of discussions.

The Department has been clear that in return for a fair pay settlement, this reset in relationships will enable a more collaborative approach on tackling long-standing issues that undermine productivity and reliability on the railways. This includes agreement to work together to address industry-wide matters that will improve the operational resilience of the railway, e.g. development of a new industry driver training competency framework and creation of a new joint advisory committee on new rolling stock procurement relating to cab design.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of infrastructure required for the operation of zero-emission coaches.

Our understanding from industry modelling indicates most coach operations could be run using electric coaches with depot charging, but that longer distance journeys would require longer-range coaches and/or infrastructure to be available elsewhere.

My Department will continue to engage closely with the coach industry in all aspects of decarbonisation, including infrastructure.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to ensure that (a) Launceston, (b) North Cornwall and (c) other towns in rural areas without a railway station are served by inter-city coach services.

The Department recognises the importance of good transport links and it is the overall aim of this government to improve connections across towns and cities. We recognise the important role the coach sector can play in making these connections across the country for education, business and leisure travel. Coaches are a deregulated sector, so decisions such as where to run services are a matter for the operator concerned. We are, however, working with the sector to hear their concerns and address the challenges they face.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve access to electric vehicle charging points across the motorway and A road network.

There are now over 960 open-access (can be used with any electric vehicle) rapid (50kW) and ultra-rapid (150kW+) chargepoints at motorway service areas across England.

The Rapid Charging Fund pilot will fund a portion of the cost of upgrading electrical capacity at motorway service areas, where it is not commercially viable for industry to do so. This will support the rollout of ultra-rapid (150kW+) chargepoints.

Government is also collaborating with National Highways on the Energy Storage Systems project. This project is focusing on motorway service areas where the current electrical capacity is limited. National Highways are procuring and installing batteries to support the installation of ultra-rapid chargepoints.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the status is of the Aviation Night Noise Effects (ANNE) study, funded by her Department.

The Aviation Night Noise Effects (ANNE) study is a current study examining the relationship of aviation noise on sleep disturbance and annoyance, and how this varies by different times of night. The study is funded by the Department for Transport and is a collaboration between St George’s, University of London, NatCen Social Research, Noise Consultants Limited, and the University of Pennsylvania. The final results of the ANNE study are expected to be published in Autumn 2026.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential (a) economic, (b) environmental and (c) health impact of a third runway at Heathrow.

An Appraisal of Sustainability and economic assessment were conducted before the Airports National Policy Statement was voted on by Parliament and designated in 2018.

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/heathrow-airport-expansion#appraisal-of-sustainability-and-supporting-documents

Heathrow Airport Limited will need to provide an assessment of the impacts of any proposed scheme for a third runway, and provide suitable mitigations, as part of any Development Consent Order application. The Government would carefully consider any such application in line with the relevant policies and planning processes.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to review the Airports National Policy Statement.

As required by the Planning Act 2008, the Secretary of State will review a National Policy Statement when she considers it appropriate to do so.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help improve the (a) punctuality and (b) performance of Cross Country rail services (i) to and (ii) from Cheltenham Spa.

CrossCountry has recently been placed on a formal Remedial Plan to ensure it takes action to address performance issues across its network and increases essential driver training. This is expected to result in a more reliable service following the implementation of the plan. The Department will closely monitor the progress of the plan and if CrossCountry fails to deliver, further action will be taken in line with its contractual terms.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with (a) public and (b) private bodies on implementing more disability accessible electric vehicle charging points at public venues.

The Government wants everyone to be able to make the switch to electric vehicles, which is why we strongly encourage chargepoint procurers and operators to adopt the British Standards Institution Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 1899:2022 standard. This was sponsored by the Government and Motability, providing specifications on designing and installing accessible public electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints.

The Government is actively encouraging relevant parties to adopt its specifications, building on improvements already being made in the sector. It is also encouraging local authorities to incorporate accessibility into their procurement models.

The Government and Motability Foundation is working with advocacy groups, industry and other stakeholders to review the effectiveness and implementation of PAS 1899. This working group is expected to make its final recommendations in February 2025.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has had discussions with Network Rail about its intentions to allow its land between Cheltenham Spa rail station and Lansdown Road, Cheltenham to be used to facilitate the development of the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine.

The Department has not directly discussed land access with Network Rail for this route but is supporting and providing funding to Sustrans and Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) to deliver a route between Cheltenham Spa Station and Lansdown Road as part of the Cycle Rail Programme. We understand that Great Western Railway, Network Rail and GCC are working closely together to progress this project. GCC is responsible for securing appropriate land access agreements with Network Rail.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will hold discussions with representatives of National Express on the potential impact of the cancellation of its 503 service on people living in Launceston.

The Department recognises the importance of good transport links and it is the overall aim of this government to improve connections across towns and cities. We recognise the important role the coach sector can play in making these connections across the country for education, business and leisure travel. Coaches are a deregulated sector, so decisions such as where to run services are a matter for the operator concerned. We are, however, working with the sector to hear their concerns and address the challenges they face.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to take steps to improve bus services in Aldershot constituency.

The government knows that Britain needs a modern transport network to help kickstart economic growth. Good local bus services are an essential part of prosperous and sustainable communities. As announced in the King’s Speech, the government will introduce a Buses Bill to put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, to ensure networks can meet the needs of the communities who rely on them, including in Aldershot.

We also plan to empower local transport authorities through reforming bus funding. By giving local leaders more control and flexibility over bus funding they can plan ahead to deliver their local transport priorities. The Department will work closely with local leaders and bus operators to deliver on the government’s ambitions.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has a strategy for maintaining floating roads in the Fens.

The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local road network.

Local highway authorities, such as Cambridgeshire County Council, have a duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain the highways network in their area. They are best placed to understand local needs and priorities as well as any particular challenges caused by the local geology or topography.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing graduated driving licences.

The safety of our roads is an absolute priority for this Government. We are committed to delivering a new Road Safety Strategy – the first in over a decade. We will set out next steps on this in due course.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average waiting time is to take a driving test in Aldershot constituency from the date of booking the test as of 3 September 2024; and how many people are waiting to take a test in that constituency.

As of 2 September 2024, there were 2,216 car practical driving tests booked, and 134 driving tests available to book within the 24-week booking window at Farnborough driving test centre (DTC).

The average waiting time (August 2024) for a car practical test at Farnborough DTC was 24 weeks.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps is she taking to reduce waiting times for driving tests in (a) Eastleigh constituency and (b) other areas.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is to reduce car practical driving test waiting times, whilst upholding road safety standards.

As of 2 September 2024, there were 552,863 car practical driving tests booked, and 94,169 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.

Measures in place to reduce waiting times for customers at driving test centres, include the recruitment of driving examiners, conducting tests outside of regular hours, including at weekends and on public holidays, and buying back annual leave from driving examiners.

The DVSA also continues to deploy examiners from areas with lower waiting times into those centres with longer waiting times. This is in addition to the DVSA recruiting additional examiners across the country into areas where waiting times are highest.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Local Transport Fund allocations 2025 to 2032, published on 26 February 2024, what her Department's planned timetable is for making available the funding allocated to Leicestershire County Council.

The previous government made a number of funding commitments in the Network North Command Paper and these will be examined closely by the government in the coming months.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve road (a) maintenance and (b) conditions in (i) Ashfield constituency and (ii) Nottinghamshire.

The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local road network.

Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) is the local highway authority for the Ashfield constituency, and it is therefore responsible for the maintenance of the local road network in its area. NCC is a part of the East Midlands Combined Authority (EMCA), and for this financial year the Department for Transport is providing EMCA with £53.9 million of capital funding for local highway maintenance across its area. It is a matter for EMCA to determine how much of this funding to allocate to each of its constituent authorities.

Funding decisions for highways maintenance beyond 2024/25 will be made at the forthcoming Spending Review.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to tackle (a) variances in employment terms and conditions and (b) the introduction of technological innovations in the rail sector.

We are committed to delivering the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, and ensure that Great British Railways (GBR) can drive innovation across the network.

As we bring a fragmented industry together, we will need to consider a range of options on the right approach for future terms and conditions, taking account of employment law requirements.

On the introduction of technological innovations, we expect a joined up industry to do more and faster in the use of technology for safety, cost reduction, revenue growth and accessibility, and we expect GBR to take a firm lead in this area. In the meantime, Network rail and train companies are working in this area, including through Shadow Great British Railways.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve transport links in Oswestry.

This Government is committed to ensuring that people have access to transport and transport infrastructure that enables them to travel to the destinations they want to reach and meets their needs. As my Right Honourable Friend the Chancellor has set out, decisions must be made based on the assessment of the spending inheritance from the previous Government. The Department has ambitious plans for improving transport connectivity, including through the Buses Bill. The Bill aims to deliver the government’s plan for improving the bus network and ending the postcode lottery. This plan includes providing more control and flexibility over bus funding, giving local leaders the freedom to take decisions to deliver their local transport priorities, and removing the ban on the creation of new municipal bus companies.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many accidents were recorded on the (a) A16, (b) A17 and (c) A151 in each of the last five years.

The number of reported personal injury road collisions on the A16, A17 and A151 in the last 5 years for which data is available can be found in the table below.

Reported road collisions on the A16, A17, A151, 2018 to 2022

Road

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

A151

49

40

45

32

46

A16

112

115

87

117

128

A17

74

73

63

75

67

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

Since 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024 the cost of ministerial severance payments are as follows:

19 December 2019 – 31 December 2019: nil

1 January 2020 – 31 December 2020: nil

1 January 2021 – 31 December 2021: nil

1 January 2022 – 31 December 2022: £41,575

1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023: £7,920

1 January 2024 – 30 May 2024: nil

The following Ministers received a severance payment of the following value:

Grant Shapps MP received a compensation payment of £16,876 when he left Government on 6 September 2022.

Karl McCartney MP received a compensation payment of £5,593 when he left Government on 7 September 2022.

Robert Courts MP received a compensation payment of £5,593 when he left Government on 18 September 2022.

Kevin Foster MP received a compensation payment of £7,920 when he left Government on 25 October 2022.

Katherine Fletcher MP received a compensation payment of £5,593 when she left Government on 26 October 2022.

Jesse Norman MP received a compensation payment of £7,920 when he left Government on 13 November 2023.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with her Swiss counterpart on the potential merits of direct rail connections between London and Basel.

The Government fully supports the growth of international rail passenger services, including potential new direct connections, and recognises the socio-economic benefits that these provide for UK citizens and businesses. DfT officials regularly engage with their Swiss counterparts to discuss the potential merits of direct rail connections between the UK and Switzerland, as well as supporting the work of industry partners to explore their feasibility. The Secretary of State and the Rail Minister hope to discuss this shortly with Swiss counterparts, including exploring plans to formalise our cooperation on this matter.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to take steps to improve traffic management on the M20.

The Kent & Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) is responsible for operational decision making on traffic management measures in response to disruption at Eurotunnel and/or the Port of Dover. The KMRF have well-practised tactical plans in place, including Operation Brock.

While these measures help to mitigate against the worst of any disruption, the Department still recognises the impact disruption has on local residents, businesses, hauliers, and passengers. Therefore, the Department is working with the KMRF and other local stakeholders to continually improve how traffic management plans operate.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions her Department has had with local authorities on reducing processing times for blue badge applications.

The Department for Transport sets the legislation that governs the Blue Badge scheme and provides guidance for local authorities who are solely responsible for administering the scheme, including issuing the badges.

There are no timescales set for administering applications other than a suggested guideline that issuing authorities should aim to complete end to end applications within 12 weeks.

80% of citizens apply for a badge using the Blue Badge Digital Service (BBDS) operated by the Department for Transport. The Department has a programme of continuous improvement of the digital service with the aim of making online badge applications quicker and easier for applicants and local authorities.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential economic impact of electrifying the train track from Telford to (a) Wolverhampton and (b) Shrewsbury.

With an indicative cost of ~£270m, Midlands Connect, the sub-national transport body which researches, develops and progresses transport projects in the Midlands, view electrification of this route as prohibitively expensive.

However, they are refreshing the Business Case for line speed improvements to this route, and my officials are in regular contact with Midlands Connect to support them in this work. The Minister of State for Rail expects to receive an updated Business Case later this year.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much her Department spent on communications in the last year for which data is available.

In the last year (August 2023 to July 2024) the Department spent £6,128,135 on paid communications campaigns.

The majority of this spend was for the THINK! campaign, which is a key pillar in the Department’s commitment to improving road safety. THINK! aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the road through changing attitudes and behaviours among those at most risk. The campaign focuses on priority issues including drink driving and speeding, as well as communicating key policy interventions.

In the past year, the Department ran THINK! Campaigns across paid channels in England and Wales to tackle drink driving, seat belt use and speeding and among high-risk male drivers aged 17-24.

The total spend also includes the ‘It’s Everyone’s Journey’ campaign which aims to raise awareness of the needs of disabled people among the general travelling public, and to create a more supportive travelling environment to improve confidence and increase the use of public transport by disabled people.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to extend the Great Western Main Line upgrade to include electrification to Swansea.

The decision taken in 2017 to not electrify the railway between Cardiff and Swansea was based on it not delivering significant journey time savings and this remains the case. Enhancements to the railway in Wales that deliver passenger benefits, including proposed electrification, are considered by the Wales Rail Board.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the temporary pause in constructing the White Rose railway station in Leeds will end.

We understand that the scheme promotor is seeking to resolve legal and commercial processes with the Principal Contractor. These processes are expected to be concluded by the end of this calendar year, with a view to re-mobilising site works early 2025.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will publish her Department's detailed plans for the extension of HS2 to Euston.

The Government is working at pace to review the position it has inherited on HS2, including options for Euston. We will set out a clear plan in due course.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether civil service pay remit guidance applies to National Highways workers.

National Highways was established in 2015 with a requirement to have regard to the Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance when setting pay awards for its staff. National Highways must also ensure its pay deals are affordable and in line with its budget and pay control envelope agreed with the Department for Transport and His Majesty’s Treasury.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential options for providing relief for the trunk A5 road through Hockliffe Village during the next road investment period.

As part of their analysis of need on the Strategic Road Network, National Highways identified issues with peak period delays and unreliability on the A5 in Hockcliffe. A feasibility study has been undertaken and has identified options for improvements. This scheme is currently being considered as part of the next Roads Investment Strategy, though all future spend by National Highways is subject to the DfT’s Capital Review and the cross-government Spending Review.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made on the potential economic impact of linking the M54 and M6 north.

The proposed M54 to M6 link road in the Road Investment Strategy was most recently assessed as high value for money and with a benefit to cost ratio of 3.17.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate her Department has made of the level of (a) car ownership, (b) bus usage, (c) light rail usage, (d) train usage and (e) active travel usage in Aldershot constituency.

The information requested regarding (a) car ownership, (b) bus usage (c) light rail usage, (d) train usage and (e) active travel usage in Aldershot constituency is not available. Geographic availability of data differs depending on the data source. Where possible, information has been provided for the constituency of Aldershot. Otherwise, statistics for the local authority of ‘Rushmoor’, county of ‘Hampshire’, or the area of ‘Hampshire and Isle of Wight’ are provided where relevant.

Car ownership

According to the Department’s vehicle statistics, there were 138,805 licensed cars as at end March 2024 in the Aldershot Constituency.

Bus usage

According to the Department’s annual bus statistics, in the year ending March 2023 there were 20.8 million local bus journeys taken in Hampshire.

Train usage

The Regional Rail Usage Statistics published by the Office of Rail and Road show that in the year ending March 2023 there were 25.0 million passenger rail journeys within the South East of England that started or ended in Hampshire and Isle of Wight. There were also 15.3 million journeys that started or ended in Hampshire and Isle of Wight that started or ended from regions outside the South East of England.

Active travel usage

According to the Department’s annual walking and cycling statistics, between November 2022 and November 2023, 66.4% of adults walked or cycled, for any purpose, at least once per week in Rushmoor (Non-Metropolitan District). The equivalent figure for Hampshire (County) is 73.6%.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) roads are adequately maintained and (b) potholes are fixed in a timely manner in Aldershot constituency.

The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local road network. Hampshire County Council (HCC) is the local highway authority for the Aldershot constituency, and it is therefore responsible for the maintenance of the local road network. HCC will receive £37.7 million from this Department during 2024/25 to enable it to carry out its local highway maintenance responsibilities. Funding for future years is a matter for the Spending Review.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which projects her Department plans to include in the third Road Investment Strategy.

The Government is considering the content and timing of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) alongside all transport infrastructure spend. We will provide an update in due course.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 24 July 2024 to Question 836 on A483, what progress she has made on the review into improving safety on the A483 in North Shropshire.

National Highways continues to consider the case for safety improvements to the A483 between Pant and Llanymynech through a route optimisation study. The content and timing of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) will be considered alongside all transport infrastructure spend.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with train operators on disruption to (a) services and (b) timetables following the worldwide IT outage on 19 July 2024.

My officials were in touch with ToCs at the time. As the Minister (Ellie Reeves, Minister without Portfolio) said in her statement to the House of Commons on Monday 22 July, the transport sector will review its response and implement any learnings.

The Cabinet Office has led a review of the incident, identifying lessons. The Department has engaged with this process and will implement recommendations with the transport sector, including the rail industry and train operating companies, as appropriate.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information she holds on the number of train journeys that were cancelled across the rail network as a direct result of crew shortage on 14 July.

The Department does not hold the requested data concerning journey cancellations on 14 July 2024 directly due to crew shortages.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Office for Rail and Road’s annual UK rail industry assessment, published on 19 July, what steps her Department is taking to ensure Network Rail delivers its performance improvement plan for Wales and the Western region by 31 August.

Improving performance on the railway is a key priority, and the Rail Minister is expecting to meet Network Rail and Great Western Railway this month to discuss performance on these routes. Following the launch of Network Rail’s £140m performance improvement plan, we are starting to see improvements in performance, and we expect more in the coming months. We understand Network Rail delivered a final plan to the Office for Rail & Road by 31 August.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions her Department has had with Transport for London on staff shortages.

Transport in London is devolved and is the responsibility of the Mayor of London and TfL. DfT Officials work closely with TfL on a range of issues.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will hold discussions with the Office of Road and Rail on the potential merits of setting up a new Heritage Rail Safety and Standards Board.

Officials in my department have had several meetings over the last year with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) about the Heritage Rail Association’s (HRA) plans to establish a Heritage Rail Safety and Standards Board. We understand that the HRA is progressing with its plans, and my officials will continue their engagement with the ORR as this develops.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to introduce air quality targets within train stations.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the railway maintains the highest air quality standards to safeguard the health and well-being of passengers and rail staff. The Department for Transport already requires Network Rail and train operators to develop air quality improvement plans to address issues in stations. The Department is also working with the Rail Safety and Standards Board to explore the option of specific air quality targets for the rail network, including within stations, to ensure rail remains one of the cleanest forms of mass public transport. The Department will confirm its position in due course.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how timetable adjustments will be managed (a) during and (b) after the transition of operations into public ownership.

There will not be any immediate changes to how timetable adjustments are managed during and immediately after the transition of passenger train operations into public ownership. Railway passenger services currently operated by private sector companies under contract to the Secretary of State will transfer into DfT OLR Holdings Ltd when current contracts end or reach their contractual break point, and timetable adjustments will be managed as they currently are.

As announced in the King’s Speech 2024, forthcoming legislation will establish Great British Railways – an arm’s length body which will act as a “directing mind”, with a relentless focus on delivering for passengers and freight customers. As outlined in Getting Britain Moving, the Government’s vision is that, within the clear strategic direction set by the Secretary of State, Great British Railways will, once established, have operational independence and be responsible for planning timetables.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to set specific performance targets for the nationalisation of the railways.

Railway passenger services currently operated by private sector companies under contract to the Secretary of State will transfer into DfT OLR Holdings Ltd (DOHL) when current contracts reach their end date or contractual break point.

The Government will continue to set targets for public sector train operating companies on a range of measures including punctuality, reliability and quality of service as appropriate, and will continue to hold them to account for performance against these targets. Modern service agreements, currently in development, will come into force for each train operator when operations transition into public ownership.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing railway contracts into public ownership in order of operational performance.

The Government has been clear that passenger train operations will transfer to a public-sector operator as current contracts end or reach their contractual break point, avoiding the need to pay compensation to the current operators. The Secretary of State is continually monitoring performance and will not hesitate to take appropriate action when operators fall short, up to and including termination if the relevant contractual conditions are met.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she made an assessment of the adequacy of each business case submitted to the Restoring Your Railway Fund before deciding to withdraw that funding.

The Chancellor’s statement of 29 July 2024 confirmed that the Restoring Your Railway (RYR) programme will be brought to a close. Aside from RYR projects currently at the delivery stage or in construction, all remaining RYR-originated projects are now being considered as part of preparations for the upcoming Spending Review. This will include reviewing the business cases of these projects. Ministers have been clear that not all proposed transport projects will be able to proceed to delivery due to the challenging financial situation facing the Department.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of parked cars causing blockages outside bus stations on levels of delays to regional bus networks.

98% of local authorities have civil enforcement powers in relation to parking and are responsible for enforcement on the roads within their authority. Local authorities have powers to implement a range of parking restrictions on their networks and are responsible for deciding what restrictions may be necessary.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the levels of overcrowding on Great Western Railway trains from Tiverton Parkway; and whether she plans to take steps to reduce overcrowding on those trains.

Officials continually monitor the performance of Great Western Railway services, including instances of overcrowding, and actively hold operators to account through their contracts when they run less capacity than agreed. The Rail Minister additionally meets with Train Operating Companies to review their performance. We work closely with Great Western Railway to match supply to demand within operational and financial constraints including the provision of additional summer services. Great Western Railway is also exploring opportunities to increase the capacity of its rolling stock fleet.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)