Submit Evidence (by 13 Mar 2026)

The Government has published a new Road Safety Strategy setting out the Government’s approach to reducing death and serious injury. The Transport Committee is launching an inquiry to examine its potential effectiveness.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2025 to Question 90407 on Roads: Repairs and Maintenance, whether the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) will include a breakdown of (a) forecast costs for each individual strategic road network enhancement scheme that is to be delivered during the 2026 to 2031 period and (b) the Department's planned expenditure on (i) operations, (ii) maintenance and renewals, (iii) disaggregating maintenance and (iv) staffing costs.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) will set out the Department’s planned capital and revenue expenditure over the 2026/27 to 2030/31 period, with breakdowns across key categories including operations, maintenance, renewals and enhancements.

In line with previous Road Investment Strategies, RIS3 will not include forecast costs for individual enhancement schemes. Scheme-level costs will continue to be developed and refined through the business case and investment decision-making process, ensuring value for money and appropriate assurance prior to commitment.

Further information on the delivery, governance and performance of the Strategic Road Network will be published through National Highways’ subsequent delivery plans and reporting arrangements.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of (a) British Board of Agrément and (b) HAPAS-approved (i) self-adhesive surfacing membranes and (ii) other patch repair products on the long-term cost and failure rate of pothole repairs carried out by local highway authorities; and whether she plans to issue any guidance to local authorities and their contractors on (A) trialling and (B) adopting such measures.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government welcomes innovations that can help local highway authorities maintain their roads more effectively and efficiently. The Department encourages and supports innovation in road surface repairs in various ways.

For example, it has started the task of updating the Code of Practice for Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure, which will include new advice on matters such as surface treatments.

The Department is also providing £30 million to the ADEPT ‘Live Labs’ research programme, enabling local authority-led consortia to trial innovative low-carbon ways of looking after their networks. One of the projects within the Live Labs programme is enabling novel resurfacing materials to be tested and evaluated through the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads, led by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the next meeting of the Hammersmith Bridge taskforce is expected to take place.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government intends to convene a further meeting of the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce in the near future to discuss next steps for the project. My Department’s officials will be in touch with key local stakeholders to arrange this in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the annual cost of extending the statutory concessionary bus travel scheme UK-wide to include all residents aged 19 and under.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government knows how important affordable bus services are in enabling young people to access education, work and vital services.

Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £795 million annually in reimbursement costs to operators. Any changes to the statutory obligations, such as expanding the eligibility criteria to include under 19’s, would need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.

The Government has confirmed over £3 billion from 2026/27 to support local leaders and bus operators across England to improve bus services over the spending review period. This includes multi-year allocations for local authorities under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) totalling nearly £700 million per year. Essex County Council will be allocated £59.3 million under the LABG from 2026/27 to 2028/29, in addition to the £17.8 million they are already receiving this year. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, which could include introducing new fares initiatives to reduce the cost of bus travel for young people.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what evidence her Department considered on graduated driving licenses as part of the Road Safety Strategy; and whether she will publish that evidence.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

We used published and publicly available evidence in developing young driver policy in the Road Safety Strategy.

Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driver Licensing with further restrictions on newly qualified drivers such as carrying passengers or driving at night, we are consulting on a Minimum Learning Period in England, Scotland, and Wales before learner drivers can take their test.

We know that introducing a Minimum Learning Period has potential to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries. This is why we are consulting on the introduction of pre-test measures and combining these with the post-test measures already in place through the New Drivers Act.

Additionally, we are considering further post-test measures as part of the motoring offences consultation, where views are being sought on a lower blood alcohol limit for novice drivers in England and Wales.

Once the consultations have concluded, we will publish our responses in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the risk that electric buses operating in the UK could be remotely rendered inoperable via their internet-connected systems by hostile state actors.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government takes national security seriously and recognises the systematic challenges of increased connectivity and the cyber security implications for almost every area of government policy, including vehicles. My Department works closely with the transport sector and other government departments to understand and respond to cyber vulnerabilities for all transport modes.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of permitting crop-based biofuels to be eligible under the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate on investment in (1) waste-based biofuels, and (2) e-fuels.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

On 22 December 2025 the Department for Transport published a call for evidence to gather views and update our evidence base on crop-derived sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The call for evidence will improve our understanding of the impacts and interactions of deploying crop feedstocks in SAF on feedstock availability, industrial development, and on sustainability. This will include considering the impact on food prices, biodiversity, and investment in waste-based biofuels and e-fuels.

This reflects our commitment to ensure our policies are informed by the best and most recent evidence. The call for evidence does not propose any changes to the SAF Mandate. In the light of the responses to the call for evidence, should there be a case to review the feedstock eligibility criteria, it would be subject to consultation before any legislative change.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of permitting crop-based biofuels to be eligible under the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate on (a) food prices, and (b) biodiversity.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

On 22 December 2025 the Department for Transport published a call for evidence to gather views and update our evidence base on crop-derived sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The call for evidence will improve our understanding of the impacts and interactions of deploying crop feedstocks in SAF on feedstock availability, industrial development, and on sustainability. This will include considering the impact on food prices, biodiversity, and investment in waste-based biofuels and e-fuels.

This reflects our commitment to ensure our policies are informed by the best and most recent evidence. The call for evidence does not propose any changes to the SAF Mandate. In the light of the responses to the call for evidence, should there be a case to review the feedstock eligibility criteria, it would be subject to consultation before any legislative change.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) proportion and (b) number of people imprisoned for death by careless driving obtain a driving licence within five years after release.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The information requested is not held. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is not informed when an individual is released from prison, and endorsements ordered upon conviction by the courts for the offences of causing death by careless driving or causing death by dangerous driving are removed from the driver’s record after four years in line with the retention periods for these offences.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) proportion and (b) number of people imprisoned for death by dangerous driving obtain a driving licence within five years after release.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The information requested is not held. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is not informed when an individual is released from prison, and endorsements ordered upon conviction by the courts for the offences of causing death by careless driving or causing death by dangerous driving are removed from the driver’s record after four years in line with the retention periods for these offences.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) number and (b) proportion of people who obtained a driving licence in the last 10 years after a previous conviction for death by careless driving committed a further motoring offence.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The information requested is not held. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is not informed when an individual is released from prison, and endorsements ordered upon conviction by the courts for the offences of causing death by careless driving or causing death by dangerous driving are removed from the driver’s record after four years in line with the retention periods for these offences.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) number and (b) proportion of people who obtained a driving licence in the last 10 years after a previous conviction for death by dangerous driving committed a further motoring offence.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The information requested is not held. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is not informed when an individual is released from prison, and endorsements ordered upon conviction by the courts for the offences of causing death by careless driving or causing death by dangerous driving are removed from the driver’s record after four years in line with the retention periods for these offences.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what incentives will be put in place to encourage growth in passenger numbers for the rail network for (a) Great British Railways as an organisation, (b) senior management within Great British Railways and (c) the rail workforce.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government has been clear that GBR will be incentivised to deliver for passengers. By bringing responsibility for track and train into one organisation, GBR will be able to remove the mixture of conflicting incentives across multiple organisations and realign incentives towards passengers. This is being considered as part of the continuing GBR design process.

The Long-Term Rail Strategy will set out the outcomes we expect GBR to achieve, including an unrelenting focus on passengers. This will inform the development of GBR’s long-term strategic business plans, ensuring passengers, and other users of the railway, remain central to the organisation’s culture.

The continued expectation of a reduction in subsidy for the railways also incentivises growing passenger numbers, as well as benefitting taxpayers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Office of Rail and Road on the application of a risk-based approach to the provision of new pedestrian and cycle level crossings on heritage railways in instances where such crossings (a) are necessary to maintain network permeability and (b) have a demonstrable safety record.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) do not support the creation of new level crossings where there is a reasonably practicable alternative such as a bridge or tunnel. These alternatives should be fully explored and delivered where it is reasonably practicable to do so and after ensuring the proposer has the legal right to cross the railway. In all cases where a new crossing is proposed, a risk assessment approach must be followed so that the costs and benefits of alternatives can be considered alongside the costs and benefits of a level crossing.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to require train operators, including Northern, to begin recording instances of failed passenger assistance.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

All train and station operators, including Northern, are required by their Accessible Travel Policies to monitor their performance in delivering assistance, including failures. The Office of Rail and Road publish annually the ‘Experience of Passenger Assist’ report which records the experiences of users of Passenger Assist, helping to monitor trends. The most recent report can be accessed at https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-07/2024-2025-experiences-of-passenger-assist-research-report.pdf

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 22 April 2025 to question 44579 on Avanti West Coast: Ticket Offices, what information her Department has received from Avanti West Coast on non-adherence with regulated ticket office opening hours in each of the last 12 months.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department receives regular reporting from Avanti West Coast (AWC) on its compliance with regulated ticket office opening hours under Schedule 17 of the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement. Excluding ticket office closures as a result of industrial action or planned engineering works, AWC’s average compliance with its managed ticket office opening hours over the last 12 months was 97 per cent.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Bradford Interchange operating as a terminus on the operation of the railway; and what options are being considered to help reduce network delays arising from reversing services.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The government is already working with Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council on station options, including consideration of the Bradford Interchange site, and has provided funding for business case development. We expect to take decisions on that by summer 2026.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether officials in her Department have had discussions with (a) c2c, (b) Network Rail and (c) relevant local authorities about establishing a community rail partnership on the c2c route; what assessment she has made of the case for a c2c community rail partnership; and what the (i) required steps, (ii) decision making process and (iii) indicative timetable are for recognition of such a partnership.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Officials have not discussed with Network Rail or relevant local authorities; however, officials have discussed establishing a community rail partnership with c2c which both parties see value in.

Next steps would include building the proposal and securing sufficient funding; officials will continue to explore what opportunities there might be in future business planning rounds.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how Great British Railways plans to work with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on rail funding in Bradford; and what statutory role local transport authorities will have in shaping service patterns affecting the city.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Great British Railways will work closely with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, including on matters relating to rail funding in Bradford, through the statutory roles established in the Railways Bill and through a future partnership arrangement with GBR. GBR will be required to consult Mayoral Strategic Authorities where decisions on passenger services or rail infrastructure could have a significant impact on their areas. GBR will also have regard to their Local Transport Plans to ensure that local priorities – including how rail services interface with wider local transport networks – are fully considered.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what targets her Department has set for reducing rail journey times between (a) Bradford and Leeds and (b) Bradford and Manchester; and how those targets align with the objectives of the Railways Bill.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Northern Powerhouse Rail will seek to create a turn up and go railway for passengers from Bradford to travel to cities across the growth corridor, including improving connections to Leeds and Manchester.

The government is learning the lessons from HS2 by taking sufficient time to explore and develop options, and so building certainty in costs, outputs and benefits, before confirming decisions on details such as journey times. We will work closely with local leaders to do that.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of improved rail connectivity in Bradford on the economy, including its potential contribution to productivity, employment and housing delivery in West Yorkshire.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Bradford will be put at the heart of our plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail. Our investment in NPR will provide a catalyst for a major regeneration of Bradford’s Southern Gateway, which is planned to contribute thousands of new homes and commercial development. We will work closely with local leaders to help realise these plans.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Bradford will be included in the core network of Northern Powerhouse Rail; and when a final decision on route options affecting Bradford will be announced.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Bradford will be put at the heart of our plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail. The first phase of NPR, upgrades to lines East of the Pennines for delivery in the 2030s, will be focusing on electrification and upgrades that include the Leeds-Bradford corridor. We will also press forward with the work already in hand with Bradford Metropolitan District Council on a business case for Bradford station. We expect to reach decisions on the station by Summer 2026 and have made funding available to then move forward into detailed design.

The third phase of NPR will improve cross-Pennine connections, and the Government sees Bradford-Manchester as a key part of this overall programme. Further details will be announced in the future, once these have been worked through with local leaders.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to determine the geographical make up of GBR's Business Units will be determined.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Business Units will be the powerhouse of Great British Railways (GBR), bringing together today’s infrastructure management functions provided by Network Rail, and passenger operations currently led by train operating companies, into a single local team with an accountable leader.

Integrated railway pilots are introducing a single accountable leader for track and train, supported by an integrated executive team within existing frameworks. This is already in place for South-Eastern and South-Western Railway with plans underway for Anglia. These pilots will inform GBR's future Business Unit model.

The detailed design process is underway, including determining the geographic make-up of GBR’s Business Units.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Rail Delivery Group on recent updates to fare search limits for passengers and rail retailers.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department regularly engages with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) on a range of issues relating to the rail retail market, recognising RDG's important role in managing systems and services upon which train operators, retailers and passengers rely. This will continue as we progress towards the establishment of Great British Railways.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Multi-billion-pound drive to transform rail and growth across Yorkshire and North East, published on 14 January 2026, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of the business case for a new train station in Bradford city centre; and what timetable has been set for (a) completion of the business case, (b) funding approval and (c) commencement of construction of the train station.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As part of the first phase of Northern Powerhouse Rail, we will press forward with the work already in hand with Bradford Metropolitan District Council on a business case for a new Bradford station. We expect to reach decisions on the station by Summer 2026 and have made funding available to then move forward into detailed design.

The government is learning the lessons from HS2, taking sufficient time to explore and develop options, building certainty in costs, outputs and benefits, before confirming decisions on details such as construction timelines. We will work closely with local leaders to do that.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how the expected delivery timescale for a new Bradford railway station compares with other major rail schemes in the North of England; and what steps are being taken to ensure those schemes are implementing quickly.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As part of the first phase of Northern Powerhouse Rail, we will press forward with the work already in hand with Bradford Metropolitan District Council on a business case for a new Bradford station. We expect to reach decisions on the station by Summer 2026 and have made funding available to then move forward into detailed design.

The government is learning the lessons from HS2, taking sufficient time to explore and develop options, building certainty in costs, outputs and benefits, before confirming decisions on details such as construction timelines. We will work closely with local leaders to do that.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Road Safety Strategy, published on 7 January, whether the Road Safety Board will publish its agenda, papers and minutes in a timely manner.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.

The Strategy sets an ambitious target to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on British roads by 65% by 2035. Delivery of the Strategy will be supported and monitored by a new Road Safety Board chaired by the Minister for Local Transport.

The Board is currently under development and decisions regarding membership and format will be made in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Road Safety Strategy, published on 7 January, whether they plan to introduce additional night and motorway driving lessons or requirements as part of (1) the proposed minimum learning period for learner drivers, or (2) the probation period.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The new Road Safety Strategy sets out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. This includes consulting on a Minimum Learning Period before learner drivers can take their test. This would allow learners more time to gain essential experience, for example in different weather conditions, before driving independently and reduce the risk to themselves and other drivers.

Learner drivers are already able to gain experience in both night‑time and motorway driving under the current system. Since June 2018, learners have been permitted to take motorway driving lessons with an approved driving instructor in a dual‑controlled car, which provides structured exposure to higher‑speed environments before they take their test.

While night driving is not mandatory, it is already covered within the DVSA‑recommended syllabus, and many instructors introduce it as part of their training programmes where appropriate.

The Government will consider all responses to the Minimum Learning Period consultation before deciding on next steps and a response to the consultation will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will provide further detail on the proposals to protect motorcyclists set out in the Road Safety Strategy, published on 7 January; and what is the timescale for a consultation on those proposals.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

On 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. The Strategy sets an ambitious target to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on British roads by 65% by 2035.

The Strategy is an opportunity to reflect on the changes and challenges faced by motorcycle riders and to consider ways to modernise and improve the current system of motorcycle training, testing and licensing whilst maintaining quality and road safety standards. Therefore, the government has announced a consultation on an ambitious package of reforms to the training, testing and licensing regime for Category A moped and motorcycle licences in Great Britain. This consultation, which opened on 7 January and will close on 31 March, will help inform a targeted review of the training, testing and licensing regime.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has discussed with representatives of Heathrow Airport extending the number of boroughs that benefit from Heathrow Community Trust.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

No discussions have taken place with representatives of Heathrow Airport regarding extending the number of boroughs that benefit from the Heathrow Community Trust. The Trust is an independent grant‑making charity with its own governance and established criteria for determining its geographical focus. Any decisions about altering its scope are matters for the Trust and its board, rather than for ministers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of options to implement a direct rail link between Bradford and Huddersfield; and whether funding has been provided for the development of that link.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

We will be assessing options for Bradford-Manchester connections as part of the work done for the Northern Powerhouse Rail Programme on the Bradford station business case.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the nationalisation of Northern Rail on punctuality, reliability, and frequency of service; and whether any improvements have been identified that can be used to improve wider nationalisation of the rail industry.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

My Department has regular discussions with Northern Trains, as with all publicly owned operators, to ensure it remains focused on reducing train service cancellations and providing a reliable, predictable train service for customers. As part of this, we share success between operators so each one can assess how it could build on others’ good practice to improve its services.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had any meetings with colleagues at Transport for London to discuss the availability of Network Railcard discounts at railway stations managed by Transport for London.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As transport in London is devolved, fares decisions, including any potential Network Rail discounts, are for the Mayor and Transport for London. Network Railcard discounts can be applied to fares on TfL Rail services. However, they cannot be applied to Oyster cards or other contactless tickets.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has to ensure national public awareness of recent Highway Code changes as part of the Road Safety Strategy.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users.

That is why on 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.

Following updates to the Highway Code in 2022, the department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes.

Via the THINK! campaign, we are also running year-round radio filler adverts encouraging compliance with the guidance to improve safety for those walking, cycling and horse riding. We will also continue to promote the changes via THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels, as well as through partner organisations.

However, as set out in the strategy, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course.

As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety. As announced in the strategy to support a Lifelong Learning approach in the UK, the government will publish for the first time national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of transport connections at Worplesdon station in Woking constituency.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

No assessment has been undertaken, as Worplesdon is a lightly used local station. Passengers tend to use Guildford or Woking stations for wider travel.

Under public ownership, Southwestern Railway will be undertaking a complete redesign of its timetable, including services in the Woking area. In the assessment of options, wider economic impacts will be a consideration, alongside other factors such as reducing the net subsidy requirement of the railway, meeting passenger demand and improving operational performance.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the the Greater Anglia timetable changes from 14 December 2025 for meeting peak-time passenger demand at Billericay station over the period of the local plan.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Greater Anglia added extra carriages to a small number of Saturday services operating from Billericay as part of the December 2025 timetable change.

Greater Anglia monitors passenger demand and will make adjustments to train services and capacity where required, and where it is possible to do. I expect Greater Anglia to continue to work with local stakeholders to develop timetables for the future.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what milestone dates have been set for the introduction of AI-powered disruption updates on LNER services.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

In the coming months London North Eastern Railway will begin introducing advanced AI‑powered tools designed to keep passengers better informed and in control when travelling. This new capability will enable instant travel updates and make it easier for customers to manage their journeys during disruption.

These improvements will be supported by enhanced, data‑driven systems that aim to reduce delays and help deliver a more reliable railway for passengers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many Greater Anglia trains are expected to be fitted with physical advanced monitoring equipment by the end of 2026.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Projects are still in development, but Greater Anglia estimates that between eight and twelve units in total will have physical monitoring equipment installed by the end of this year.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, further to 2 January 2026 written questions 102231: Crossrail 2 Line and 102232: Crossrail 2 Line, if she will use the analysis of the lessons learned from the success of the Elizabeth Line to assess other rail infrastructure projects, such as reassessing Crossrail 2.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Yes – I can confirm that every effort is made to learn lessons from other projects, including from the Elizabeth Line, when assessing plans and proposals.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which 30 stations have been approved for upgrades under the Access for All scheme.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

On 15 January, we were pleased to announce that 8 Access for All projects will be progressing directly to delivery and 23 projects will undergo design work for potential future delivery.

Full details were provided to the House in a Written Ministerial Statement which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/improving-accessibility-at-railway-stations-across-britain

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much and what proportion of funding for Northern Powerhouse Rail is expected to be spent in Lancashire.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Northern Powerhouse Rail will provide up to £45 billion of funding to deliver turn up and go railway services between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and York. The economic rationale is enabling these areas to function as single high productivity growth corridor.

The Government has not excluded funding potential future rail improvement schemes more widely for areas such as Lancashire. This is not within the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme funding and would be considered through other sources in the normal way, such as future rail network enhancement programme funding.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Pursuant to the Answer of 9 January 2026 to Question 100962 on Great British Railways: Marketing, whether (a) growing revenue and (b) delivering value for money for passengers will take priority in the rollout of Great British Railways branding.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As set out in the answer to the question 100962, both growing revenue and delivering value for money for passengers will be a priority.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much each train operating company paid on average in access charges per 100,000 passenger kilometres in 2024-25 by type of access charge.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The net access charge for each operator varies for several reasons such as infrastructure provider, and type and length of train being operated. This means it is not meaningful to compare the net costs of one operator against another. The range of net charges payable by the 14 Department for Transport contracted operators is shown in the following table. They include track, station and depot access charges, net of depot and station access income, but exclude charges for electricity consumption.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the Department for Transport's Consultation on a New Heavy Goods Vehicle CO₂ Emissions Regulatory Framework for the United Kingdom, published in January, what assessment they have made of the potential impact on air quality of each regulatory option set out in the document.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Beyond significant carbon savings, the transition to zero emission HGVs is expected to reduce overall air pollution from road transport including through reduced noise pollution and improvements in air quality, leading to better public health.

The consultation explores the potential regulatory design of a new framework and all options remain on the table. A full impact assessment will accompany any final proposal for regulation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a graduated driving license.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

We have had to strike a balance between protecting young people and not overly impacting their opportunities to access work and education and social activities.

Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driver Licensing with further restrictions on newly qualified drivers such as carrying passengers or driving at night, we are consulting on a Minimum Learning Period in England, Scotland, and Wales before learner drivers can take their test.

This would allow learners more time to gain essential experience, for example in different weather conditions, before driving independently and so reduce the risk to themselves and other drivers.

We know that introducing a Minimum Learning Period has potential to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries. This is why we are consulting on the introduction of pre-test measures and combining these with the post-test measures already in place through the New Drivers Act.

The New Drivers Act has a form of “probationary period” of 2 years for novice drivers of all ages in Great Britain. During this time, instead of the standard 12 points, if 6 or more points are received, including in the learning period, a driver's licence is revoked and they must apply again for a provisional licence, re-entering the learning stage.

Additionally, we are considering further post-test measures as part of the motoring offences consultation, where views are being sought on a lower blood alcohol limit for novice drivers in England and Wales.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to increase public awareness of new Highway Code rules.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users.

That is why on 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.

Following updates to the Highway Code in 2022, the department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes.

Via the THINK! campaign, we are also running year-round radio filler adverts encouraging compliance with the guidance to improve safety for those walking, cycling and horse riding. We will also continue to promote the changes via THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels, as well as through partner organisations.

However, as set out in the strategy, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course.

As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety. As announced in the strategy to support a Lifelong Learning approach in the UK,the government will publish for the first time national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she will take to promote increased awareness of the 2022 changes to the Highway Code.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users.

That is why on 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.

Following updates to the Highway Code in 2022, the department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes.

Via the THINK! campaign, we are also running year-round radio filler adverts encouraging compliance with the guidance to improve safety for those walking, cycling and horse riding. We will also continue to promote the changes via THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels, as well as through partner organisations.

However, as set out in the strategy, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course.

As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety. As announced in the strategy to support a Lifelong Learning approach in the UK, the government will publish for the first time national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve road safety awareness.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Road Safety Strategy, published on 07 January 2026 by this Government, marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence.

The measures will save thousands of lives over the coming decade. Five new consultations were launched alongside the Road Safety Strategy. These are: motoring offences, a minimum learning period for learner drivers, eye tests for older drivers, improving moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing and mandating vehicle safety technologies in GB type approval.

The Government’s THINK! road safety campaign delivers paid advertising to change attitudes and behaviours among those at most risk on the road, currently focused on the priority issues of speed, drink driving and drug driving. THINK! campaigns will play a key role in encouraging safer road user behaviours to support delivery of the strategy.

This will include paid campaign activity to raise awareness of any potential changes to road safety legislation, with the introduction of these potential changes also supported by wider communications including via DfT social channels and GOV.UK, media engagement and partner and stakeholder networks.

Following updates to the Highway Code in 2022, the department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes. We will also continue to promote the changes via THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels, as well as through partner organisations.

However, as set out in the strategy, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course.

Additionally, as announced in the strategy to support a Lifelong Learning approach in the UK, the government will publish for the first time national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety.

Local authorities are responsible for delivering road safety education and have a statutory duty to take steps both to reduce and prevent collisions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of a public awareness campaign on the new Highway Code rules.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users.

That is why on 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.

Following updates to the Highway Code in 2022, the department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes.

Via the THINK! campaign, we are also running year-round radio filler adverts encouraging compliance with the guidance to improve safety for those walking, cycling and horse riding. We will also continue to promote the changes via THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels, as well as through partner organisations.

However, as set out in the strategy, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course.

As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety. As announced in the strategy to support a Lifelong Learning approach in the UK, the government will publish for the first time national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the capital and ongoing operating costs of developing, launching and maintaining the proposed Great British Railways ticketing website and mobile application.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Officials continue to develop the proposition for the Great British Railways app and website. We are engaging with industry on this project and will provide updates in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps are being taken to ensure consistent recording of e-bike collisions by police forces in England and Wales.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Data on reported road collisions in Great Britain are recorded by police forces using the STATS19 system. Guidance on recording is provided in the STATS20 document which is published on gov.uk:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/road-accident-and-safety-statistics-guidance#data-collection

Currently the recording of e-bikes within STATS19 follows the relevant legislation, the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983, with officers encouraged to use an accompanying free text field to provide further details where possible.

The Standing Committee on Road Injury Collision Statistics (SCRICS), which oversees the STATS19 collection, is currently reviewing the recording of vehicle and propulsion types within STATS19 with a view to providing better guidance to reporting police officers on the classification of e-bikes.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to publish a consultation on setting speed limits.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The update to Setting Local Speed Limits guidance is under development and will be informed by research and evidence. Considerations in relation to consulting will be set out in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure that measures in the Road Safety Strategy are applied effectively during winter.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. The policy commitments in the Road Safety Strategy will be developed in the usual way, ensuring that thorough consideration is given to all aspects of a policy. This will include consideration of each policy’s effectiveness throughout the year, including during the winter period.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what was the (a) total operating revenue, (b) total operating costs and (c) the net cost of onboard catering on the TransPennine Express in the (i) 2023–24 and (ii) 2024–25 financial years.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

In 2023-24, TransPennine Express’ total operating revenue was £234 million, with total operating costs of £408 million. The net cost of onboard catering for that year was £4.7 million.

In 2024-25, TransPennine Express’ total operating revenue was £285 million, with total operating costs of £449 million. The net cost of onboard catering for that year was £6.7 million.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to publish a report on the implementation and outcomes of the first year of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Yes. The Government will publish a report on the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate outcomes for 2024, by 15 March 2026, as required by legislation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on what date her department granted consent for the upgrade programme of South Western Railway’s Salisbury depot based 30 Class 158/159 trains; and what is her assessment of the (a) cost, (b) value for money of this overhaul work and (c) the life expiry date of these trains.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

South Western Railway (SWR) are currently undertaking scheduled heavy maintenance of their Class 158/159 fleet. This essential programme involves the full strip down, inspection and repair of the units, alongside enhancements to the onboard environment including refreshed interiors, new seat covers, repainting and the installation of at seat power which will improve the customer experience.

SWR have not submitted any specific request for Departmental consent for this upgrade programme as they are responsible for planning and delivering their own maintenance and any associated upgrade activity within their existing budgets.

SWR’s transfer into public ownership on 25 May 2025 marked an important step in our work to rebuild a railway that consistently delivers for passengers. As a publicly owned operator, SWR is now subject to rigorous and bespoke performance standards, and their dedicated teams work hard to ensure that maintenance and customer focused improvements support safe operation, improved reliability and better outcomes for the communities they serve.

The Department typically assumes that rolling stock has an operational life of around 35–40 years, although the precise lifespan is determined by the rolling stock market based on condition, investment and operational needs.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to her Department's press release entitled Boost for British business as government slashes cost of electric lorries by up to £120,000, published on 6 January 2026, how many and what proportion of lorries registered in the UK are electric lorries; and what estimate she has made of the potential increase in that number as a result of the announced subsidy.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As of September 2025, there were 1,313 battery-electric HGVs on UK roads (VEH1103): https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/vehicle-licensing-statistics-data-tables.

The £18 million Plug-in Truck Grant Uplift announced on 6 January 2026, which runs until 31 March 2026, is estimated by the Department for Transport to support 195 battery-electric HGV sales. This equates to approximately 1.4% total HGV sales over January-March 2026. This is estimated to directly lead to 0.03MtCO2 emissions reductions over the zero emission (ZE) HGVs vehicles’ lifetime and is expected to support the acceleration of deployment of ZE HGVs in the UK, helping build a UK market for these vehicles which will increase their future adoption and help to deliver carbon budgets.

Estimates of the impact of the grant on ZE HGV sales are uncertain and will depend on demand. The truck grant is only confirmed to continue until the end of March 2026 so it is not possible to share 2030 fleet projections at this stage. Grant rates for any future truck grant from April 2026 will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with to her Department's press release entitled Boost for British business as government slashes cost of electric lorries by up to £120,000, published on 6 January 2026, what estimate her Department has made of the number of lorries expected to be purchased using the announced grant by 2030.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As of September 2025, there were 1,313 battery-electric HGVs on UK roads (VEH1103): https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/vehicle-licensing-statistics-data-tables.

The £18 million Plug-in Truck Grant Uplift announced on 6 January 2026, which runs until 31 March 2026, is estimated by the Department for Transport to support 195 battery-electric HGV sales. This equates to approximately 1.4% total HGV sales over January-March 2026. This is estimated to directly lead to 0.03MtCO2 emissions reductions over the zero emission (ZE) HGVs vehicles’ lifetime and is expected to support the acceleration of deployment of ZE HGVs in the UK, helping build a UK market for these vehicles which will increase their future adoption and help to deliver carbon budgets.

Estimates of the impact of the grant on ZE HGV sales are uncertain and will depend on demand. The truck grant is only confirmed to continue until the end of March 2026 so it is not possible to share 2030 fleet projections at this stage. Grant rates for any future truck grant from April 2026 will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Boost for British business as government slashes cost of electric lorries by up to £120,000, published on 6 January 2026, what estimate her Department has made of how much (a) carbon dioxide and (b) other pollutants will be prevented from being released as a result of the announced grant for electric lorries.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As of September 2025, there were 1,313 battery-electric HGVs on UK roads (VEH1103): https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/vehicle-licensing-statistics-data-tables.

The £18 million Plug-in Truck Grant Uplift announced on 6 January 2026, which runs until 31 March 2026, is estimated by the Department for Transport to support 195 battery-electric HGV sales. This equates to approximately 1.4% total HGV sales over January-March 2026. This is estimated to directly lead to 0.03MtCO2 emissions reductions over the zero emission (ZE) HGVs vehicles’ lifetime and is expected to support the acceleration of deployment of ZE HGVs in the UK, helping build a UK market for these vehicles which will increase their future adoption and help to deliver carbon budgets.

Estimates of the impact of the grant on ZE HGV sales are uncertain and will depend on demand. The truck grant is only confirmed to continue until the end of March 2026 so it is not possible to share 2030 fleet projections at this stage. Grant rates for any future truck grant from April 2026 will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will publish the TA 501 safety assessment and Scheme Appraisal Report for the removal of motorway lighting on the M4 between junctions 8 and 12; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the TA 501 methodology is applied transparently where safety infrastructure is removed.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

National Highways has a thorough, consistent and documented approach to the management of construction schemes. National Highways assessed the removal of lighting on the M4 between junctions 8 and 12 using TA49/07, which was the assessment tool before TA 501 was published in March 2020. National Highways has published the M4 J3-J8/9 and J10-J12 Road Safety Lighting Review, which included a summary of the personal injury collision data for the 5 years prior to the removal of lighting. Road casualty statistics and the underlying data are published annually by the Department for Transport.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of motorway lighting removal on the M4 between junctions 8 and 12 on road safety; and if she will publish Personal Injury Collision data for that area (a) since lighting was removed and (b) for the five years prior to removal.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

National Highways has a thorough, consistent and documented approach to the management of construction schemes. National Highways assessed the removal of lighting on the M4 between junctions 8 and 12 using TA49/07, which was the assessment tool before TA 501 was published in March 2020. National Highways has published the M4 J3-J8/9 and J10-J12 Road Safety Lighting Review, which included a summary of the personal injury collision data for the 5 years prior to the removal of lighting. Road casualty statistics and the underlying data are published annually by the Department for Transport.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what role will organisations representing cyclists and pedestrians play in shaping the work of the Road Safety Board and Expert Advisory Panel.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.

The Strategy sets an ambitious target to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on British roads by 65% by 2035. Delivery of the Strategy will be supported and monitored by a new Road Safety Board chaired by the Minister for Local Transport. This will be supported by an Expert Advisory Panel, which will provide insight from those working directly with road users and communities.

The Board and Expert Advisory Panel are currently under development and decisions regarding membership and format will be made in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to publish the Ten-year pipeline of projected bus orders.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

My Department is planning to publish the ten-year pipeline of projected orders shortly.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of her Department’s guidance on following distances.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Rule 126 of The Highway Code includes guidance on stopping distances and states that drivers and riders ‘should leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops’ and ‘…never to get closer than the overall stopping distances’ set out on pages 52 and 53 of the code. Tailgating can be considered careless driving, which is a fixed penalty offence.

All road users are required to comply with road traffic law. If road users do not adopt a responsible attitude or if their use of the highway creates an unsafe environment, or causes nuisance, they may be committing a number of offences that can make them liable for prosecution.

Enforcement of the law is a matter for the police who will decide on the evidence of each individual case, whether an offence has been committed and the appropriate action to take.

In addition to the Highway Code, National Highways uses Variable Message Signs on motorways to encourage appropriate lane discipline. The Government’s THINK! road safety campaign also provides information to road users to encourage safer behaviour. Enforcement of road traffic law is a matter for the police.

In June 2025, National Highways ran a communications campaign on this issue, using media, digital and social media. The aim was to align the uncomfortable feeling of being followed too closely in everyday life with the similar feelings this evokes when being tailgated on a high-speed road, namely discomfort and anxiety.

Following the success of that campaign, and the genuine media interest in this topic, National Highways is planning a new communications campaign to launch next month. This low / no cost campaign moment will educate drivers on the dangers of tailgating and aim to change behaviour by looking at driving etiquette and evoking England’s love for manners and respect.

The campaign will launch w/c 23rd February across owned and earned media channels. It will involve:

• Press activity which demonstrates the scale of the issue and brings its regional elements to life. This will be pitched to national broadcast channels and print/ online outlets
• Creative social media content addressing the campaign themes, activated across channels including Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Shorts
• Interactive digital activity illustrating the regional trends
• Stakeholder engagement and sharing of key campaign messaging

National Highways adheres to the Government Communication Service evaluation framework and will be measuring the success of this campaign wave through a series of measures, including social listening tools and Media Equivalent Value.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure local authorities fix potholes in Nottinghamshire.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government is committed to tackling the poor state of our roads which is why it has confirmed a record £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance over the next four years. This new, four-year funding settlement is in addition to the Government’s investment of £1.6 billion this year, a £500 million increase compared to last year.

Nottinghamshire sits within East Midlands Combined County Authority, who will receive highways maintenance funding consolidated within a £2,038 million Transport for City Regions settlement. This settlement provides longer term funding certainty for local transport improvements to 2031/32. In 2026/27, they will also be eligible to receive an additional £20.8 million in highways maintenance incentive funding.

Furthermore, the Department published a new traffic light rating system on 11 January. Under this system, all local highway authorities in England received a red, amber or green rating based on the condition of their roads, how much they spend to maintain their roads, and whether they do so using best practice. The Department has also published an interactive map which means residents can see how their authority is performing and allow the Government to target support to those who need extra help. Nottinghamshire received an overall amber rating, with individual scorecards showing amber for condition, green for spend and amber for best practice.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the number of potholes in Eastleigh constituency.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government is committed to tackling the poor state of our roads which is why it has confirmed a record £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance over the next four years. This new, four-year funding settlement is in addition to the Government’s investment of £1.6 billion this year, a £500 million increase compared to last year.

The Eastleigh constituency’s local highway authority is Hampshire, who will be eligible to receive over £266 million in highways maintenance funding over the next four years.

Furthermore, the Department published a new traffic light rating system on 11 January. Under this system, all local highway authorities in England received a red, amber or green rating based on the condition of their roads, how much they spend to maintain their roads, and whether they do so using best practice. The Department has also published an interactive map which means residents can see how their authority is performing and allow the Government to target support to those who need extra help. Hampshire received an overall amber rating, with individual scorecards showing green for condition, amber for spend and amber for best practice.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to support the building of a tram or light rail system in Coventry.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Local transport, including light rail, is largely devolved. It is for local transport authorities to determine whether a light rail or tram scheme represents an appropriate intervention to address any local mass transit challenge or opportunity.

The Chancellor announced the £15.6 billion Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlements for 9 eligible mayoral strategic authorities on 4 June 2025. As part of this announcement West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which includes Coventry, was allocated £2.4 billion in local transport funding through to 2031/32. This investment aims to drive economic growth and improve access to opportunities in the region. While the Government sets the overarching objectives for the programme, TCR is devolved and Mayors have discretion over how to allocate these funds to meet local transport priorities, including mass transit.

WMCA has previously allocated £5m from its devolved City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) to progress a mass transit route options study in Coventry.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when will the Department publish further guidance on how cycling and walking will be reflected in delivery of the Road Safety Strategy.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. Roads aren’t just for motorists; it is vitally important that everyone using our roads is kept safe including cyclists and pedestrians.

The strategy builds upon ongoing work in this area. On 12 December 2025 we announced that we are allocating £626 million for local authorities from 2026-27 to 2029-30 to deliver walking, wheeling and cycling schemes, enough for 500 miles of new walking and cycling routes and 170,000 more active trips per day.

This is in addition to the almost £300 million funding for active travel in 2024/25 and 2025/26 which we announced in February 2025. 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.

In November 2025 the Government launched a consultation to develop the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3). The consultation sought the views of stakeholders on a national vision, statutory objectives and underlying performance indicators. The consultation closed on the 15th of December, and the Government is now considering the responses to the consultation with the final strategy to be published in the spring.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how will linked health and police data be used under the Road Safety Strategy to improve understanding of cyclist and e-bike injuries.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

While police data records injury type as assessed by the attending officer, health data provides far richer clinical detail on injury patterns, severity, and longer-term outcomes. This includes standardised measures, allowing injuries to be classified consistently and compared across collisions, locations, road users and vehicle types. Linking health and police records will also identify collisions resulting in cyclist and e-bike injuries that never appear in police data, addressing known under-reporting.

For cyclists and e-bike users in particular, this enables new forms of analysis, including how injury severity varies by road type, collision circumstance, and vehicle involvement, as well as how outcomes differ between conventional cycles and e-bikes. This evidence will support more targeted and evidence-led interventions. Overall, the linked data underpins a shift toward evidence-led cycling policy based on real injury outcomes.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of unlawful number plates on (a) the ability of the police to trace hit-and-run drivers and (b) efforts to reduce the proportion of untraced driver claims handled by the Motor Insurers' Bureau.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

While those specific assessments have not been made, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. On-road enforcement of number plate and insurance offences is a matter for the police.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department for Transport is reviewing motoring offences and has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. The consultation can be found online at: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-penalties-for-motoring-offences.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December 2025 to Question 94407 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, for what policy reason cross-pavement solutions were selected.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Government supports the roll-out of cross-pavement solutions to ensure more drivers without off-street parking can benefit from cheaper and more convenient domestic electric vehicle charging, which concurrently reduces the risk of trailing cables on the public highway.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of negotiating with his EU counterparts to secure an exemption for professional drivers from the 90 in 180 day Schengen rule.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Schengen 90/180-day immigration rule has applied since 2021 to all UK nationals (including professional drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and coaches) undertaking short stays for leisure and work in the Schengen area. The Schengen 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory. As such, it is not UK Government policy.

The Government will continue to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by these rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad. Ultimately any exemptions or amendments to Schengen rules are a matter for Member States and the EU.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing holders of a UK Category B driving licence to drive motorhomes with a maximum mass of 4,250kg.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not yet made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing holders of a Category B driving licence to drive motorhomes with a maximum mass of up to 4,250kg. I acknowledge that this change is within the EU 4^th Driving Licence Directive and the Department is considering whether to apply similar measures within Great Britain.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if her Department will introduce an enhanced public awareness campaign to improve understanding of the updated Highway Code rules.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Improving road safety is one of my Department’s highest priorities. Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users.

That is why on 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.

Following updates to the Highway Code in 2022, the Department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes.

Via the THINK! campaign, we are also running year-round radio filler adverts encouraging compliance with the guidance to improve safety for those walking, cycling and horse riding. We will also continue to promote the changes via THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels, as well as through partner organisations.

However, as set out in the Strategy, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and ensuring overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course.

As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety. As announced in the Strategy, to support a Lifelong Learning approach in the UK the Government will publish for the first time national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the Government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to take steps to negotiate an agreement with her EU counterparts to permit British HGV drivers to register biometric details away from the UK/EU border under the Entry/Exit System.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented by the EU to improve border security. Whilst the UK Government continues to actively engage with the EU as they continue EES implementation, it is not a UK Government initiative.

It is for individual Member States to determine how to register biometric details. The pre-registration of details does not replace checks by the border authorities.

The UK Government is working closely with the EU as they roll out their EES checks to encourage a streamlined registration process that will minimise disruption for travellers. This is in addition to close engagement that the Department has had with travel operators and hauliers to support their preparation for EES and to reiterate travel requirements for the Schengen area.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve public awareness of what drivers should do if they hit or find a deceased animal on the road, including domestic pets.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

I understand the distress of owners who lose beloved pets and it is a great source of worry and uncertainty when they are lost.

All drivers are encouraged to periodically to refresh their road safety knowledge. All road users are required to comply with road traffic law in the interests of their own safety and that of other road users.

Under section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, a driver is required to stop and report a collision involving specified animals including horses, cattle, asses, mules, sheep, pigs, goats or dogs, but not cats or wild animals. This requirement arises from their status as working animals rather than as domestic pets.

Although there is no obligation to report all animal deaths on roads, drivers should, if possible, make enquiries to ascertain the owner of domestic animals, such as cats, and advise them of the situation.

In terms of the national road network, National Highways has clear guidelines for contractors to follow when they find a deceased cat or dog. This process is designed with owners in mind, giving them the best chance of being informed of the incident to allow closure; the process is set out in the Network Management Manual.

Found: For instance, the Department for Transport (DfT) is listed as the lead department for 18 of the 29 actions

Found: facilities on site, using a Methanol-to-Jet (MtJ) process backed by a recent £2.5 million Department for Transport

Found: According to the latest DfT and DVLA licencing statistics, over 87% of road vehicles are powered by fossil

Found: top 10 import partners produce fuels with a higher carbon footprint than those made in Britain6. 1 DfT

Found: For example, the Department for Transport (DfT) oversees key policies including the Renewable Transport

Found: For example, the Department for Transport (DfT) oversees key policies including the Renewable Transport

Found: Lead department(s): Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ); NHS England; Department for Transport

Found: The Department for Transport was forced to issue an apology on this point, writing to me on 11 November

Found: London SW1P 4DR Tel: 0300 330 3000 E-Mail: Heidi.Alexander@dft.gov.uk Web site: www.gov.uk/dft

Found: have programme boards where we bring together cross- Government bodies such as DESNZ, the Department for Transport

Found: benefit overall health and wellbeing. 5.3 Active Travel social prescribing: funded by Department for Transport

Found: We need good public transport, so the Department for Transport has a role.

Found: cross-Government working on the nitrogen dioxide programme, which happens between DEFRA and the Department for Transport

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has assessed the potential merits of extending eligibility for government-backed student finance to standalone commercial pilot training courses; and what discussions her Department has had with the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority on the potential merits of recognising pilot training as an eligible education route.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The courses designated for higher education student finance are set out in secondary legislation. To attract funding, students studying in England must generally be undertaking a course leading to a designated qualification at a provider registered with the Office for Students.

The funding available for designated programmes, including pilot training, does not normally extend to costs associated with the commercial pilot’s licence and flying experience.

The department has previously explained this position to the Department for Transport.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what support her Department is providing to the Regulatory Innovation Office to help ensure greater commercial and non-military drone adoption.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The RIO is a key Government lever for achieving its transformative ambitions in regulatory innovation. It has been established as an in-house function within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The RIO has been working in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to deliver regulatory reform to support drone adoption and commercialisation since its founding in October 2024. In March 2025, RIO and DfT ministers agreed six priorities for the CAA’s regulation of drones, including an extension and simplification of airspace change processes and a commitment to develop options for electronic conspicuity (technology that allows aircraft to be digitally aware of one another). The RIO has supported the CAA to develop and expand its atypical air environments policy, making commercial activity possible using drones in airspace where there is low risk of collision with other aircraft. The RIO has provided funding to support the CAA’s efficiency by using AI in its drone approvals processes and to make drone deliveries in specific use cases, such as to Argyll & Bute, routine. The RIO has also worked with the CAA to publish a set of drone regulation performance metrics to ensure there is transparency for the sector. The RIO partnered with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to clear the regulatory pathway for drones to be adopted for commercial agricultural activities.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate her Department has made of the total capital and operational cost of transitioning its vehicle fleet to 100% Zero Tailpipe Emissions by 31 December 2027; and what assessment has been made of the difference in cost compared with retaining and maintaining a petrol and diesel fleet over the same timeframe.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The estimated cost to transition 309 vans from diesel to electric to achieve 100% Zero Tailpipe Emissions (under 3.5 tonnes) by 31 December 2027 is £10.1 million compared with a diesel equivalent of £12.2 million. These costs are based on “whole life costs” of five years and include electric maintenance costs forecast at 60% less than comparable diesel.

Defra also operates a fleet of 4x4s (1,132 vehicles). The department applied to the Department for Transport for an exemption from the requirements of the Government Fleet Commitment, with the productive engagement with Office for Zero Emission Vehicles. This was granted on 28 May 2025.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps her Department has taken to reduce concentrations of fine particulate matter in the Birmingham City Council area.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Birmingham City Council is responsible for reviewing and assessing air quality in its area. The 2025 Birmingham Air Quality Annual Status Report notes continued action to reduce PM2.5 through implementation of the Birmingham Clean Air Zone, fleet renewal and retrofit of buses and taxis, promotion of active travel, traffic management and anti-idling enforcement. The Council is also reducing emissions from domestic solid fuel burning through smoke control enforcement and public awareness, and works with Defra supported monitoring and modelling to track PM2.5 trends and inform further targeted interventions. The Council continues to work with Defra, DfT, the West Midlands Combined Authority and partners to identify new measures to reduce pollution.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what arm's-length bodies have been created since July 2024.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

This Government was elected on a mandate of change. In order to deliver the promises we made in our manifesto, the following arms length bodies have been legislated for, launched or announced:

• Great British Energy (DESNZ)

• National Wealth Fund (HM Treasury)

• Skills England (DWP)

• Independent Football Regulator (DCMS)

• Ethics and Integrity Commission (CO)

• Single Construction Regulator (MHCLG)

• Local Audit Office (MHCLG)

• Government Commercial Agency (CO)

• Great British Railways (DfT)

• Fair Work Agency (DBT)

Found: for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Department for Transport

Found: and Monuments Commission for England (known as “Historic England”)”;(b)in the entry for “Department for Transport

Found: wide range of public sector bodies, including: • all government departments, for example Department for Transport

Found: The Department for Transport is currently conducting a Post Implementation Review of the Space Industry

Found: The Department for Transport is currently conducting a Post Implementation Review of the Space Industry

Found: Network Rail (NED); Ulster Bank (NED), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department for Transport

Found: Ratio CME - Continuous Market Engagement DEFRA – Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DfT

Found: Transport DfT Office for Rail and Road (tbc) – requires significant change to remit.

Found: vehicle miles (per 1,000 population)  Decrease  Reported Road Casualties Statistics, Department for Transport

Found: Railway and West Midlands Railway services) has transferred into public ownership and is being managed by DfT

Found: now be run by a new public sector operator – WM Trains Limited – a subsidiary of public corporation DfT

Found: On average, publicly owned DfT train operators perform better on punctuality and cancellations than those

Found: DfT has announced that it will begin a programme to sell land and property no longer needed for HS2

Found: The Department for Transport is currently conducting a Post Implementation Review of the Space Industry

Found: The Department for Transport is currently conducting a Post Implementation Review of the Space Industry

Found: Emissions (UK SHORE) programme,4 and will be delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Transport

Found: Analysis by Transport Research Laboratories (TRL) for the Department for Transport (Hammond and others

Found: (C) The Home Office and the Department for Transport should work with police forces to expand roadside

Found: Department for Transport, (2021). Maritime statistics: interactive dashboard. London: HMSO.

Found: jobs while accounting for 95% of all import and export gross tonnage to and from the UK (Department for Transport

Found: The Department for Transport accounted for the majority, selling 89 land assets, totalling around 35

Found: by a number of pieces of secondary legislation and there has been no indication from the Department for Transport

Found: GV 238 1 Department for Transport The International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs Act 1976

Found: and Monuments Commission for England (known as “Historic England”)”;(b)in the entry for “Department for Transport

Found: Government departments (Department for Energy and Net Zero, His Majesty’s Treasury and Department for Transport

Found: .• Statisticians within the Department for Transport have devised a method for adjusting the

Found: Those who supported an Accessibility Improvement Fund acknowledged that a fund – like the Department for Transport

Found: Non-cash totals £38m representing the budget allocation for depreciation received from DfT on devolution

Found: Non-cash totals £38m representing the budget allocation for depreciation received from DfT on devolution

Found: The Department for Transport have found that police forces using injury-based reporting are likely to

Found: Consultation description The Department for Transport is seeking views on proposal to require manufacturers

Found: Consultation description The Department for Transport is seeking views on: potentially moving away from

Found: Consultation description The Department for Transport (DfT) is seeking views on introducing a minimum

Found: Consultation description The Department for Transport is seeking views from all road users on: proposed

Found: All correspondence between the DfT and Welsh Government concerning the design brief for the GBR brand

Found: Branding Approach in Scotland and Wales Note for Devolved Governments. 4 December 2025, Department for Transport