Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in light of the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee's 34th Report of Session 2024–26, what progress they have made towards finding a solution for making further amendments to assimilated law in relation to aviation safety after June 2026.

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

UK airspace and airlines are amongst the safest in the world. The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety. We are confident that the powers gap issue will not impact the UK’s exemplary aviation safety record.

The Department is actively looking at solutions to close or mitigate these gaps at the earliest opportunity to maintain a functioning statute book and provide certainty to the transport sector. We will review whether existing powers on the statute book may be appropriate and look at introducing primary legislation, where needed, when Parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much money she has committed to the (a) Safety National Programme and (b) Small Schemes National Programme elements RIS3.

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

RIS3 included for the first time a set of four National Programmes, which are a new way for National Highways to deliver defined outputs that support RIS3 objectives, where these are not funded in other programmes. Details of the funding for each National Programme will be confirmed in National Highways’ Delivery Plan for 2026-31, which is expected to be published in the summer.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many driving examiners started to practice in each month from July 2024 to the latest month for which figures are available.

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

The table below shows the number of recruited driving examiners (DE) who successfully completed training and were posted to a driving test centre, each month from July 2024 to February 2026.

Please note, the data shows the month DEs successfully passed training and does not necessarily represent when they first conducted a test as a DE. For example, a trainee DE might have passed training on the last day of any given month, but would not have conducted their first test until the following month.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much financial support she has provided to Hampshire County Council specifically for pothole repairs in the last 12 months.

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

During financial year 2025/26, the Government provided approximately £1.6 billion to support local highways authorities across England, a £500 million uplift compared to the previous year.

As part of this, Hampshire County Council received a total of over £52.9 million from the government to support their highways maintenance activities. This represents an uplift of over £15.2 million compared to the previous financial year.

Local highways maintenance funding is provided by the government to local authorities to maintain all parts of the highway network, including carriageways, bridges, cycleways, lighting columns and footways.

Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 place a statutory duty on local highway authorities to maintain public highways, based upon their local knowledge and circumstances, including the repair of potholes.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2026 to Question 118043, what steps the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is taking to improve its ability to evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment activity for driving examiner roles.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) monitors the performance of recruitment campaigns, including:

• monitoring pass rates for each of the stages in the recruitment process and comparing these between campaigns

• average times between advert and job offers being made, and offers being made and start date.

The performance in these areas have improved in the past 12 months. For example, before November 2025, the average time DVSA took to advertise and onboard potential driving examiners (DE) into training was 16 weeks.

In December 2025, DVSA improved its recruitment process and the average time DVSA now takes to onboard potential DEs is 13 weeks. Further proposals should see this reduce by another 2-3 weeks for future campaigns.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential effect of the cost profile of (a) rail and (b) road freight operations on modal shift.

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

The Department does not hold data on relative changes to operating costs between road and rail freight. As part of continued support for the rail freight sector, the Department has operated the Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme since 2010. Network Rail also offers the Access Charges Discount Policy to stimulate growth, supporting new to rail traffic.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will list the total funding received to date by each freight transport company in the infrastructure development phase of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.

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

The Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) R&D programme has provided £58 million to date to 18 UK freight transport companies across different project consortia to support the purchase and demonstration of the heaviest zero emission HGVs, and associated infrastructure.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119471 on the Vehicle Certification Agency: Fees and Charges, whether there is a timeline to eliminate the Agency’s financial deficit; and what steps her Department is taking to monitor the delivery of deficit reduction.

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

The VCA is currently analysing responses to the consultation on increasing certain fees, which closed earlier this month.

If taken forward, the fee increase would require secondary legislation before it can be implemented (subject to Parliamentary approval). We are therefore unable to set out a specific timeframe for elimination of the deficit at this stage.

Work on efficiencies is ongoing and reduction of the VCA’s deficit is regularly monitored and reported on via the VCA and Department for Transport’s internal governance processes.

It is also reported annually as part of the VCA’s Annual Reporting and Accounts, which are published on their website.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on the average age of (a) locomotives and (b) wagons on the rail freight network.

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

The rail freight industry is mainly privately owned and operated, so the Department does not keep data on the age of these privately owned assets.

The regulator for rail, the Office of Rail and Road holds some data on freight rolling stock which can be found here: https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/infrastructure-and-environment/rail-infrastructure-and-assets/ .

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 Schengen 90/180 day rule on international road haulage operations.

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

Since 2021, UK nationals (including hauliers and coach drivers) have been bound to a limit of 90 days in any 180-day period (90/180 limit) for work and leisure journeys in the Schengen area. This limit is consistent with the approach taken by the EU to nationals of other third countries.

The 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory, including for visa-free travel for short-term visits. As such, it is not UK Government policy. Any amendments and exemptions to these rules are the responsibility of the EU and Member States.

The Department for Transport is undertaking research to improve understanding of the effects of the 90/180 limit on the international operations of GB-based HGV and coach businesses that hold standard international operator licences. The data is currently being processed, and the study’s findings will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to review the funding formula used for (a) road maintenance and (b) pothole repairs.

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

The Government plans to review the funding formula that it uses to distribute capital funding to local highways authorities to see whether it can be adjusted to consider, for example, the conditions that affect the wear and tear of local roads.

However, the Government cannot commit to any changes to the allocation methodology until each option has been assessed for feasibility and deliverability, in line with the normal policy making process. The Government would also expect to engage with local highway authorities about any methodology to understand how any changes might impact on their services.

The Department’s review of the highways maintenance guidance it provides to local highway authorities in the Well Managed Highways Infrastructure Code of Practice will progress in addition to this and will be completed by the end of 2026.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of driving test waiting times at test centres serving Kingswood.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is working hard to reduce waiting times for car practical tests whilst upholding road safety standards. DVSA wants all customers to be able to access a driving test when they are ready to pass, to enable people to get to places of study or work and break down barriers to opportunity.

The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for February 2026, and number of tests booked and available at the nearest four driving test centres (DTC) to Kingswood of 23 March 2026.

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

Between June 2025 – February 2026, at the four DTCs above, DVSA conducted 2,372 additional car practical driving tests in overtime, when compared to the equivalent overtime scheme between June 2024 – February 2025. This increase can largely be attributed to the additional test allowance scheme the agency introduced in June 2025.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2026 to Question 122545 on Vehicle Certification Agency: Fees and Charges, when she will respond to the consultation on the proposed fee increases.

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

The VCA expects to respond to the consultation within the standard 12-week timeframe.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the causes of delays in the processing of driving licence renewal applications by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure that applications are processed within the published service standards.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. The DVLA’s target for driving licence applications is to dispatch 95 per cent within three working days for straightforward online applications and 90 per cent within ten working days for straightforward paper applications. In the current financial year, the DVLA has achieved 100 per cent for online applications and 99.9 per cent for paper applications.

However, driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer as the DVLA is often reliant on receiving information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. In the interests of road safety, the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a licence is issued.

The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in both the volume and complexity of driving licence applications from people with one or more medical conditions. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. In 2024/25 the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions with forecasts showing that more than 925,000 medical applications and notifications will be received in 2025/26.

To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and is launching a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. The DVLA will also be launching a new digital medical services portal in April. These enhancements, alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, to provide the postcodes of the recharging sites which secured funding from the ZEHID scheme.

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

The postcodes alongside an interactive map for the 75 recharging locations that have secured funding through the ZEHID programme can be found at https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/programme/zero-emission-heavy-goods-vehicles-and-infrastructure by clicking Insights, Implementation and ‘Explore the Map’. These will be updated periodically.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to include electricity used for electric vehicle charging.

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

In 2025, the Government published and responded to a call for evidence on the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO). In that review, which included a specific question on whether the RTFO should support renewable electricity for road transportation, the Government concluded that including renewable electricity in the scheme would be highly complex and require significant additional policy development to fully understand the implications of such an expansion. The Government keeps all options under review in how best to support the continued rollout of public electric vehicle charge points as the UK transitions to EVs.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department made of the potential impact of onboard connectivity and mobile signal coverage on productivity and passenger experience on long-distance rail services in the South West.

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

The Department is committed to improving on-train Wi-Fi for passengers, including on the Great Western Railways route, where poor connectivity remains an issue. That is why we have secured £57 million as part of the recent Spending Review to improve on train Wi-Fi using low earth orbit satellite connectivity on our mainline trains, which will include services on the Great Western Railways route. Officials have also been working with the Peninsula Taskforce and Motion Applied on the trial Peninsula Taskforce funded to test low earth orbit and 5G connectivity. The tests on the train itself have evidently been successful. Other operators, such as London North Eastern Railways, have also shown that low earth orbit technology provides high speeds – up to 200 megabits per second, enabling passengers to receive a much better mobile connection through the on-train Wi-Fi than they receive today.

Network Rail's Project Reach will also address mobile connectivity in 57 key mainline tunnels, which include ones on the Great Western Railways route, and this will complement the low earth orbit solution.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the pilot of enhanced onboard Wi-Fi services on Great Western Railway routes in the South West and South Wales.

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

The Department is committed to improving on-train Wi-Fi for passengers, including on the Great Western Railways route, where poor connectivity remains an issue. That is why we have secured £57 million as part of the recent Spending Review to improve on train Wi-Fi using low earth orbit satellite connectivity on our mainline trains, which will include services on the Great Western Railways route. Officials have also been working with the Peninsula Taskforce and Motion Applied on the trial Peninsula Taskforce funded to test low earth orbit and 5G connectivity. The tests on the train itself have evidently been successful. Other operators, such as London North Eastern Railways, have also shown that low earth orbit technology provides high speeds – up to 200 megabits per second, enabling passengers to receive a much better mobile connection through the on-train Wi-Fi than they receive today.

Network Rail's Project Reach will also address mobile connectivity in 57 key mainline tunnels, which include ones on the Great Western Railways route, and this will complement the low earth orbit solution.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to support the rollout of enhanced onboard Wi-Fi services across Great Western Railway routes.

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

The Department is committed to improving on-train Wi-Fi for passengers, including on the Great Western Railways route, where poor connectivity remains an issue. That is why we have secured £57 million as part of the recent Spending Review to improve on train Wi-Fi using low earth orbit satellite connectivity on our mainline trains, which will include services on the Great Western Railways route. Officials have also been working with the Peninsula Taskforce and Motion Applied on the trial Peninsula Taskforce funded to test low earth orbit and 5G connectivity. The tests on the train itself have evidently been successful. Other operators, such as London North Eastern Railways, have also shown that low earth orbit technology provides high speeds – up to 200 megabits per second, enabling passengers to receive a much better mobile connection through the on-train Wi-Fi than they receive today.

Network Rail's Project Reach will also address mobile connectivity in 57 key mainline tunnels, which include ones on the Great Western Railways route, and this will complement the low earth orbit solution.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure HGV licence applications are processed within DVLA target times, in cases where drivers may lose their job if the licence is delayed.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) seeks to process all driving licence applications as quickly as possible. However, in the interests of road safety, licences can only be issued once the required medical standards are met.

Medical standards for lorry and bus drivers (Group 2) are significantly higher than those for car and motorcycle drivers (Group 1), reflecting the size and weight of these vehicles and the length of time professional drivers typically spend at the wheel. Where a medical condition needs to be assessed, applications may take longer to process, as the DVLA is often dependent on information from third parties, including medical professionals. Where drivers indicate that their licence is required for employment, applications are prioritised where possible.

The DVLA has seen a sustained increase in both the volume and complexity of medical licence applications. In 2024/25, more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions were made, with over 925,000 medical applications and notifications forecast for 2025/26. This increase has led to longer waiting times for some customers.

To improve performance and service levels, the DVLA is enhancing its digital services and introducing a new casework system to support medical licensing. This is being complemented by the recruitment of additional staff to process applications and handle customer enquiries, which will deliver improvements for drivers with medical conditions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to reduce delays in the issuing of HGV driving licences for drivers with medical conditions.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) seeks to process all driving licence applications as quickly as possible. However, in the interests of road safety, licences can only be issued once the required medical standards are met.

Medical standards for lorry and bus drivers (Group 2) are significantly higher than those for car and motorcycle drivers (Group 1), reflecting the size and weight of these vehicles and the length of time professional drivers typically spend at the wheel. Where a medical condition needs to be assessed, applications may take longer to process, as the DVLA is often dependent on information from third parties, including medical professionals. Where drivers indicate that their licence is required for employment, applications are prioritised where possible.

The DVLA has seen a sustained increase in both the volume and complexity of medical licence applications. In 2024/25, more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions were made, with over 925,000 medical applications and notifications forecast for 2025/26. This increase has led to longer waiting times for some customers.

To improve performance and service levels, the DVLA is enhancing its digital services and introducing a new casework system to support medical licensing. This is being complemented by the recruitment of additional staff to process applications and handle customer enquiries, which will deliver improvements for drivers with medical conditions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what data the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency holds on the recruitment funnel for driving examiner roles, including (a) impressions, (b) click-throughs, (c) applications started, (d) applications completed, (e) candidates interviewed, (f) candidates appointed, and (g) candidates completing training, in the most recent 12-month period for which data is available.

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

Please see the answer to question 122525.

The table below shows the total number of applications, total completed applications DVSA received, the number of applicants invited to interview, the number of applicants invited to the driving assessment stage, applicants recruited and placed on a training course and how many applicants successfully passed training in 2025:

For any recruitment campaign a candidate must complete the application on Civil Service Jobs by the application deadline. If a candidate starts the initial application but does not complete it, this application will not be considered as part of the final sift of applications.

The data on applicants recruited and placed on training courses, and applicants who successfully passed training, is the total number for the calendar year, and does not necessarily represent when applicants entered the recruitment process. For example, an applicant might have been recruited onto a training course in 2024 but did pass the training course until 2025.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what average grant value per vehicle has been assumed in modelling the Zero Emission Truck and Van funding package.

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

Based on historic splits between higher and lower value awards, we estimate that the average grant value for vans in the 2026/27 financial year will be approximately £3,500. For trucks, the estimated average grant value is approximately £50,000 in 2026/27.

These estimates are indicative and remain subject to uncertainty. Actual average grant values will depend on market uptake and the proportion of vehicles eligible for each grant level. All grants remain under review and may be amended at any time to ensure value to the taxpayer.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the total value of public funding committed to electric vehicle uptake and charging infrastructure is across all schemes since 2024.

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

Since 2024, the Government has allocated the following funding to electric vehicle uptake and charging infrastructure:

Autumn Budget 2024: £0.3 billion

Spending review 2025: £1.8 billion

Autumn Budget 2025: £1.5 billion

Total: £3.6 billion funding out to 2030.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, in which month will the first East West Rail services operate from Oxford to Oxford Park Way.

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

The Department continues to work closely with Chiltern Railways and other partners to confirm a start date for the first EWR services between Oxford and Oxford Parkway. For passenger services to commence, trains will need to have been modified and fully tested, and driver training will need to have been completed. Winslow station also needs to be fully handed over, and future staffing arrangements also remain to be agreed.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps her Department has taken to increase awareness of (a) Rule 178 of the Highway Code and (b) the Code more broadly.

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, including guidance aimed at improving safety for cyclists and encouraging compliance with “MUST” rules within the Code.

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 assessment they have made of the risk of delivery robots to pedestrian and road safety; and what consideration they have given to making provision for local council control over deployment of those robots.

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

As with any new technology, there are potential risks with pavement delivery devices and safety remains our priority.

There is currently no specific legislation for delivery robots, but the Government has committed to pursuing legislative reform for micromobility vehicles when parliamentary time allows by creating a ‘Low-speed Zero Emission Vehicle’ category, which could be used to regulate pavement robots in future.

If they were to be regulated, we recognise the need for local leaders to have control over pavement robot deployment. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill introduced in July 2025 includes powers to require licensing of micromobility schemes, and this specifically covers pavement robots in its definition of “non-passenger vehicles”.

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 contrails on its Airspace Modernisation Strategy.

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

The Airspace Modernisation Strategy supports the aviation sector in reducing emissions through aircraft flying more direct routes.

Contrails arise from a combination of jet fuel combustion, air particles, water vapour and atmospheric conditions, and as such are considered through the Department’s work with the sector via the Jet Zero Strategy and Taskforce, which look at aviation decarbonisation holistically.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2026 to Question 122594, what her Department’s estimate is for the date by which trains for those services will be (i) modified and (ii) fully tested.

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

Chiltern subleases the trains that will be used on East West Rail from West Midlands Trains. The operators continue to work jointly with the train owner and the industry supply chain on the schedule for the final modifications which are expected to be delivered and tested in the coming months.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has been made of the role ferry services to the Isle of Wight play in providing access to essential services, including healthcare, education and employment.

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

The Government recognises that communities rely on Cross-Solent ferry services for accessing jobs, education and healthcare. They operate in a commercial environment without intervention from the Government. The Department has regular discussions on these services.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the cost will be of the Zero Emission Truck and Van funding package over its lifetime, including associated grant schemes.

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

The cost of this package is set out at: www.gov.uk/government/news/1-billion-to-cut-costs-for-businesses-drive-growth-and-clean-up-uk-roads

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the maximum number of vehicles that could be subsidised under the Zero Emission Truck and Van, which her Department announced on 25 March 2026, at the highest grant rates, and the corresponding total cost to the Exchequer.

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

The schemes have been designed so that grant funding is sufficient to fully support businesses to transition to zero emission vehicles, consistent with the Government’s plan to meet legally binding carbon budget targets. By 2030, within the current funding envelope we estimate that the schemes could award 250,000 zero emission vans grants, 20,000 zero emission trucks grants, and nearly 25,000 chargers under the depot charging scheme, although projecting this is highly uncertain.

The total cost to the Exchequer is capped based on the announced budget of £877 million. Given the existence of the budget cap, we have not separately tried to estimate the maximum number of grants that could be delivered using the highest grant rates.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what forecast has been made of uptake rates for (a) zero emission trucks, (b) vans and (c) depot charging grants under the Zero Emission Truck and Van funding package, announced 25 March 2026.

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

The schemes have been designed so that grant funding is sufficient to fully support businesses to transition to zero emission vehicles, consistent with the Government’s plan to meet legally binding carbon budget targets. By 2030, within the current funding envelope we estimate that the schemes could award 250,000 zero emission vans grants, 20,000 zero emission trucks grants, and nearly 25,000 chargers under the depot charging scheme, although projecting this is highly uncertain.

The total cost to the Exchequer is capped based on the announced budget of £877 million. Given the existence of the budget cap, we have not separately tried to estimate the maximum number of grants that could be delivered using the highest grant rates.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is the Government doing to ensure residents without off-street parking can access domestic-rate electric vehicle charging.

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

The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle (EV).

The £25 million EV Pavement Channel Grant supports local authorities to roll out cross-pavement solutions which enable residents without off-street parking to benefit from cheaper and more convenient domestic EV charging. Residents can also access the Electric Vehicle Charge point Grant for Households with On-Street Parking. As announced on 25 February 2026, from 1 April this year, eligible applicants can receive up to £500 off the cost of installing a domestic charge point when paired with a cross-pavement solution.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, will the Government provide guidance to local authorities on permitting cross-pavement EV charging for residents.

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

The Government is working with local authorities to encourage cross-pavement solutions to support EV charging for those without off-street parking. In December 2024, the Government published cross-pavement solutions guidance to help local authorities understand what they need to consider for the roll-out of cross-pavement solutions. This includes relevant planning permissions, minimum existing standards, responsibilities and case studies from trials.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what funding is available to support local authorities in providing EV charging for residents without off-street parking.

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

The Government’s £400 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund supports local authorities to deliver over 100,000 further public charge points for residents without off-street parking. In addition, the £25 million EV Pavement Channel Grant supports local authorities to rollout cross-pavement solutions. This will ensure more residents can benefit from cheaper and more convenient domestic EV charging. This funding is to build on more than 118,000 publicly available chargers in England and Wales as of 1 March.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the 20 mile per hour speed limit in central London is primarily to (1) reduce accidents, or (2) raise revenue; and if the former, what data they hold for any reduction in mortality since the introduction of that speed limit.

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

Responsibility for decisions on most of the London road network rests with the London boroughs, while Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for the Red Routes. The introduction of 20mph speed limits on all these roads is a matter for local determination, either by Boroughs or TfL, and the Department does not intervene in those decisions.

The Department’s comprehensive three-year evaluation of the effect of 20mph signed-only limits was published on 22 November 2018. It substantially strengthened the evidence base on perceptions, speeds and early outcomes associated with 20mph speed limits. The evaluation can be viewed online.

A London study published on the TFL website shows 35% fewer collisions, 34% fewer fatal/serious injuries, and 46% fewer child casualties on 20‑mph roads.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 13 February (HL14187), whether National Highways produced a completion report for the infilling work on Ridge Road Bridge; and if so, whether that report recorded the south span of Ridge Road Bridge as (1) infilled, or (2) not infilled.

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

In line with current practice, the supervisor (contracted by National Highways) reported progress weekly and therefore no completion report was required.

National Highways has confirmed that the south span was ultimately found not to be fully infilled.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2026 to Question 122594, when (a) Winslow station will be fully handed over and (b) future staffing arrangements will be agreed.

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

Chiltern is continuing to work closely with its partners and the Department to conclude the remaining train, infrastructure and staff issues and a start date for the first East West Rail services will be announced as soon as it is possible to do so.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress she has made to help reduce waiting times for driving tests in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is working hard to reduce waiting times for car practical tests whilst upholding road safety standards. DVSA wants all learners to be able to access a driving test when they are ready to pass, to enable people to get to places of study or work and break down barriers to opportunity.

The table below shows the February 2026 average waiting time and number of tests booked and available at the driving test centres (DTCs) serving Hampshire and Surrey as of 23 March 2026. (DTCs in bold are the main DTCs serving Surrey Heath.

• Between June 2025 – February 2026, at the DTCs above, DVSA conducted 2,996 additional car practical driving tests in overtime, when compared to the equivalent overtime scheme between June 2024 – February 2025. This increase can largely be attributed to the additional test allowance scheme the agency introduced in June 2025.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve accessibility at train stations in Surrey Heath constituency.

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

This Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the significant social and economic benefits that enhanced accessibility brings to communities.

We are investing nearly £280 million to improve accessibility at stations through the Access for All programme. Funding for future rounds will be determined at a future spending review.

On 5 November 2025, we published our roadmap to an accessible railway, this sets out what we are doing now to improve the travelling experience for disabled passengers in the lead up to GBR being established.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how the Government plans to ensure cross-pavement EV charging solutions remain sustainable and avoid unnecessary costs in the event that properties change ownership.

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

The commercial arrangements between each local authority and cross‑pavement solution provider will determine who is responsible for maintenance, including when property ownership changes. It is the responsibility of local authorities to develop their own policies on maintenance and change of ownership. Published in December 2024, the Government’s cross‑pavement solutions guidance helps local authorities develop policies that account for both maintenance requirements and situations involving changes in property ownership.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 13 February (HL14187), whether a hole was drilled through the south span of Ridge Road Bridge to check its infill status 12 months after the infilling was completed.

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

National Highways has confirmed a hole was drilled in the south span of Ridge Road Bridge approx. 12 months after completion of infilling.

The original plan of November 2015 included the infilling of the south span along with the north & centre spans. Since finding the void in the south span, in 2023 National Highways did not progress with the original planned works as local active travel groups asked if the south span could be used as a potential active travel route. Since finding the void, National Highways has confirmed it has no safety concerns.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 13 February (HL14187), whether the original National Highways plans intended for the south span of Ridge Road Bridge to be infilled.

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

National Highways has confirmed a hole was drilled in the south span of Ridge Road Bridge approx. 12 months after completion of infilling.

The original plan of November 2015 included the infilling of the south span along with the north & centre spans. Since finding the void in the south span, in 2023 National Highways did not progress with the original planned works as local active travel groups asked if the south span could be used as a potential active travel route. Since finding the void, National Highways has confirmed it has no safety concerns.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of Government funding for repairing potholes in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.

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

The Government is investing a record £7.3 billion in local highways maintenance over the next four years, which is in addition to a £1.6 billion investment in 2025/26, a £500 million increase on the previous year. The responsible local highway authority for the constituency of Surrey Heath is Surrey County Council. Surrey County Council is eligible to receive £164,080,000 over the four year period.

To support improvement, the Department has introduced a new annual traffic‑light rating system assessing each authority’s road condition, maintenance spending, and use of best practice. Surrey received an overall amber rating, and all ratings are available on GOV.UK.

These ratings encourage strong asset management and a preventative approach to reduce potholes. The Department is also providing £300,000 in development support to help councils adopt best practice, improve their ratings, and enhance the condition of their roads.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on the levels of public awareness of the 29 January 2022 revisions to the Highway Code.

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.

The Department has assessed public understanding of the 2022 Highway Code changes through survey research which tracks levels of awareness and self‑reported understanding and compliance over time.

· The percentage of road users reporting to know either a little or a lot about the changes increased from 36% in January 2022 to over 50% in August 2022 and up to 70% in September 2023, with 86% of road users having heard of the changes by that time.

· Understanding of pedestrian priority at junctions increased from 52% to 72%, and cyclists riding 2 abreast rising from 30% to 46%.

· Following the second phase of the campaign in summer 2023, 81% of drivers claimed to leave a gap of 1.5metres when passing a cyclist all or most of the time. 79% of drivers claimed to pass horse riders and horse drawn vehicles with at least 2metres distance and at under 10mph all or most of the time.

·Of the respondents that recognised the campaign advert, nine in ten said they had taken action as a result.

· More recent figures show a sustained increase in those saying it is unacceptable to not leave enough space for cyclists and horse riders, from 60% in March 2024 to 68% in April 2025.

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.

Although failure to comply with the advisory rules of the Highway Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, contraventions of these rules may be used as evidence in court to establish liability for a road traffic offence. Advisory rules include those which begin ‘should/should not’ and ‘do/do not’.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Road Safety Strategy, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of launching a public information campaign to raise awareness of recent changes to the Highway Code.

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

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 Road Safety 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.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the maximum penalty for railway trespass was set at £1,000; and what the maximum penalty was previously.

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

The maximum penalty of £1,000 for railway trespass was set with effect from 1 October 1992, following amendments to the standard scale of fines made under the Criminal Justice Act 1991. Prior to October 1992, the maximum penalty at level 3 on the standard scale was £400.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many people were (a) prosecuted for and (b) convicted of railway trespass in each of the last ten years.

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

Prosecution and Conviction data are held by the Ministry of Justice from court records collected by HM Courts & Tribunals Service. The Department for Transport does not hold this data separately for railway trespass and it is not always recorded as its own offence category in national data sets.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the sum of penalties for railway trespass has been in each of the last ten years.

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

Information on the number of financial penalties imposed by the courts is held by the Ministry of Justice, from sentencing data recorded by HM Courts & Tribunals Service. The Department for Transport does not record the sum of penalties for railway trespass.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help support small independent lifeboat organisations.

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

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) chairs UK Search and Rescue (UKSAR) on behalf of the Department for Transport. UKSAR supports national volunteer search and rescue groups, including independent lifeboat organisations, on a wide range of issues.

The MCA's Rescue Boat Code introduced in 2013 is a key foundation for the safe and effective operation of independent lifeboats. The Code is currently being revised in consultation with all lifeboat operators to better support these organisations and to help clarify the responsibilities and requirements for all rescue boats to safely operate across the UK.

Since April 2015, search and rescue charities, including independent lifeboats, may recover VAT on the purchase of goods and services used for their non-business activities.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many grants and of what value have been made from the £30 million Depot Charging Scheme to businesses using (a) HGVs (b) coaches (c) other.

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

As part of the Depot Charging Scheme, launched in July 2025, 92 projects valued at £33 million have been awarded grant funding to support uptake of battery electric (BE) HGVs, vans and coaches by part-funding the installation of charging infrastructure at fleet depots.

These awards break down as follows:

• 46 projects, totalling £20,078,966, include at least one eligible BE HGV;

• 3 projects, totalling £1,164,582, include at least one BE coach;

• 43 projects, totalling £11,701,679, do not include a BE HGV or coach.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she is taking steps to secure an exemption to the EU Entry / Exit System for international road hauliers.

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

The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented by the EU to improve border security. EES does not introduce new restrictions but will replace the current manual system for border checks of the 90 in 180-day (90/180) limit on short stays in the Schengen area which apply to all UK nationals, with a digital version. The 90/180 limit has been in place for UK nationals since 2021, when the transition period following the UK’s exit from the EU ended.

EES is not a UK Government initiative. While the UK Government is making every effort to engage with the EU as it rolls out its implementation of EES, any exemptions or amendments to the Schengen immigration rules are a matter for Member States and the EU. The Government will continue to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by these rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy 3 will enable local authorities to plan and deliver continuous, high-quality active travel networks.

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

I am carefully considering the feedback from the consultation on the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, including in respect of the planning and delivery of active travel networks. I expect to publish the Strategy in the Spring.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her Department plans to publish its response to the Net Zero Ports consultation.

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

We received 65 responses to the Net Zero Ports call for evidence, and plan to set out the findings later this year. These valuable stakeholder insights will shape our policy approach to the role of ports in maritime decarbonisation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer to question UIN 120893 on 24 March 2026, what steps she is taking to protect the pensions of those who joined the Rail Pensions Scheme after midnight on 4 November 1993 in the transition to Great British Railways.

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

We plan for the Railways Pension Scheme to continue to be the primary vehicle through which most rail employees build up their pension provision. This includes those employees who started working post-1993. The Railways Pension Scheme provides a defined benefit pension scheme to rail employees and will continue to operate once Great British Railways is created. The protections within the 1993 Railways Act remain unchanged by the Railways Bill currently going through Parliament.

Engagement on the details of Great British Railways’ future employee offer will take place between trade union and sector leaders.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support domestic ferry companies.

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

Domestic ferry companies operate their services predominantly in a commercial environment without intervention from the Government.

The Department for Transport continues to engage with domestic ferry companies and wider local stakeholders.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on reviewing the penalties associated with uninsured driving.

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

The Government wants to ensure that the motoring offences framework is suitable. That is why, as part of our new Road Safety Strategy we are consulting on changes to the motoring offences, including consideration of whether the minimum penalties for the offence of driving uninsured should be increased.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how will the Freedom from Violence and Abuse strategy action plan's commitment to launch mandatory training for staff in the bus industry on how to recognise and respond to VAWG incidents be informed by the experience of women and girls.

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

The government wants everyone to feel and be safe when travelling. The Department is working across government and with partners, including the British Transport Police, the transport industry and local authorities to help tackle violence against women in girls (VAWG) on transport.

We are actively engaging with a broad range of relevant stakeholders in preparation for the launch of the mandatory training including, charities, transport user representative bodies, academics, other government departments, and bus operators, to ensure that women and girls’ experiences are at the centre of its development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the total number of passenger rail journeys in Great Britain in 2025–26; what figure for passenger journeys underpins its estimate of subsidy per passenger journey for that year; and what her Department's estimates for underpinning passenger numbers are in the next five years.

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

Data relating to the total number of passenger rail journeys in Great Britain for 2025–26 is not yet available and is scheduled for publication in June. Historic data on journeys is published here: Passenger rail usage | ORR Data Portal.

Using the most recent ORR data available (2024-25), the subsidy per passenger journey is £8.21. This captures all journeys made with the 14 DfT operators. The subsidy figure includes Department for Transport’s support for the 14 DfT operators and Network Rail.

Finally, with respect to departmental estimates of underpinning passenger numbers over the next five years, the Department does not routinely publish forecasts of passenger numbers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 30 March 2026 to Question 122220 on DfT Operator, how many staff will remain within the Department undertaking rail policy functions following the transfer to DfT Operator Ltd; and what assessment she has made of the Department’s capacity to act as an intelligent client of that body.

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

Following the transfer of staff to DFTO on 1st April, the Department for Transport has 485 FTE undertaking rail functions - from rail reform to major projects sponsorship.

Robust and tested sponsorship arrangements have been implemented, enabling the Department to operate as an 'intelligent client' to DFTO. These arrangements establish clear lines of engagement and provide a consistent framework through which specialist policy and client teams can deliver coherent, expert advice which will be an important foundation for the future with 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 Nationwide plans announced to design safer streets as 9 in 10 women report feeling unsafe walking at night, published 25 March 2026, what assessment she has made of the biggest barriers to the installation of lighting on walking, wheeling and cycling routes.

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

Barriers to the installation of appropriate lighting include a lack of energy infrastructure, higher scheme cost for upfront work, the impact on nature and wildlife, the long-term revenue budget required for the ongoing maintenance of lighting installation, and the balance between these factors that is part of scheme development. The forthcoming guidance from ATE will include the importance of implementing better-designed lighting.

ATE’s Route Check Tool includes specific metrics relating to lighting coverage, visibility, user safety, and minimising light pollution, helping authorities to plan routes that meet modern safety and design standards.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2026 to Question 123237, whether her Department is considering the introduction of mandatory Restricted R plates or an equivalent post-test probationary scheme for newly qualified drivers in Great Britain.

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

Whilst we are not considering mandatory Restricted ‘R’ plates for newly qualified drivers in Great Britain, 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.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what data his Department collects on road traffic collisions involving horses; and whether he plans to improve the recording and publication of statistics on such incidents.

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

The Department’s published road collision statistics are based on data reported by police forces via the STATS19 data collection system. STATS19 covers collisions on the public highway reported to and recorded by police, and which involve injury to one or more human participants. This includes collisions involving horses. Within the collection, horses are recorded as vehicles, and riders (when injured) as casualties.

There are currently no plans to change the recording of incidents involving horses in STATS19. The collection is reviewed periodically by the Standing Committee on Road Injury Collision Statistics (SCRICS). Any proposals to amend the collection will be considered during the next review, though the timing of this has not yet been set.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance is provided to local authorities on setting reduced speed limits in rural areas; and whether he plans to increase the powers available to local authorities to introduce speed limit zones in rural communities.

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

Guidance for local authorities on setting reduced speed limits, including in rural areas, is provided through the Department for Transport’s Setting Local Speed Limits guidance. This makes clear that local traffic authorities may introduce speed limits below the national limit where local conditions justify it, based on factors such as road layout, safety considerations and the character of the area.

The Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026 committed to update current guidance on local speed limits and speed‑camera use.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure British ports operate at high efficiency.

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

The United Kingdom has a world leading maritime sector, including its ports. The ports sector is largely privatised, so government direct intervention is limited. Whilst there are some government bodies who do direct day to day work within ports, matters that fall within the DfT’s jurisdiction are ones concerned with safety.

The department does have a range of grant programs designed to support the wider UK ports sector, with these programs aimed at supporting the transition to a green economy and at modal shift towards rail and water. We are working with other Departments to strengthen and streamline planning, including by updating the National Policy Statement for Ports.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that the motor insurance industry is working closely with vehicle manufacturers to review the vehicle risk rating system.

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

The cross-government taskforce’s final report highlights the wider range of areas in which government is taking action; including taking steps to address vehicle theft and the cost of repairs. The government will continue to deliver against the actions set out in this report.

The FCA will continue to call for more action to be taken by social media companies to prevent fraudulent content from appearing on their platforms. Where the FCA identifies unlawful content, including ghost broking, ad-spoofing and material posted by finfluencers, it will seek to get the content removed and work with other partner agencies, including law enforcement, working to combat these activities.

The taskforce encourages the motor insurance industry to work closely with vehicle manufacturers to review the vehicle risk rating system.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her department last assessed the financial penalty for driving without insurance; and what assessment was made of the costs of purchasing insurance relative to the costs of paying a fine.

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

The Government recognises that motor insurance premiums have increased, while the fines for driving uninsured have remained the same.

We want to ensure that there are the right incentives in place, and that is why, as part of our new Road Safety Strategy we are consulting on changes to the motoring offences including consideration of whether the minimum penalties for the offence of driving uninsured should be increased.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the national speed limit on rural single carriageway roads; and whether he has considered introducing a default speed limit lower than 60mph on unclassified rural roads.

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

The Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026, commits the Government updating the best practice guidance Setting Local Speed Limits which outlines how local authorities may introduce lower limits on rural roads where appropriate. The most recent publicly accessible version of this guidance emphasises that Local traffic authorities have the power to introduce speed limits lower than the national limit where local conditions justify this.

The Road Safety Strategy also looks at exploring whether the proposed rural roads categories are appropriate at a local level and to assessing their potential for national application. Developing a much clearer and more consistent definition of what constitutes a ‘rural road’ could help target safety interventions more effectively, ensuring resources are spent where they can have the greatest impact.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of speeding in Surrey on residents.

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

The Department for Transport has not made a specific assessment of the impact of speeding in Surrey on residents. Responsibility for assessing local road safety issues, including the impact of speeding, sits primarily with local authorities and police forces, who are best placed to understand local conditions, concerns and collision data.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support her Department is giving to local authorities to tackle speeding.

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

Local authorities are responsible for decisions on the roads they manage, including setting local speed limits and introducing traffic‑calming measures, based on local conditions. The Government supports this through national guidance to ensure limits are consistent and appropriate. The Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026 committed to update current guidance on local speed limits and speed‑camera use.

Local authorities receive direct and indirect funding that can be used to address speeding: Local Transport Plan and Highway Maintenance funding from the Department for Transport which can support speed‑management measures such as traffic calming, safer road layouts, signage and speed‑limit schemes.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the report by the Motor Insurance Taskforce Final Report, published on 10 December 2025, what steps she is planning to take to monitor the outcomes from the work by the Financial Conduct Authority in encouraging social media companies to prevent fraudulent content from appearing on their platforms.

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

The cross-government taskforce’s final report highlights the wider range of areas in which government is taking action; including taking steps to address vehicle theft and the cost of repairs. The government will continue to deliver against the actions set out in this report.

The FCA will continue to call for more action to be taken by social media companies to prevent fraudulent content from appearing on their platforms. Where the FCA identifies unlawful content, including ghost broking, ad-spoofing and material posted by finfluencers, it will seek to get the content removed and work with other partner agencies, including law enforcement, working to combat these activities.

The taskforce encourages the motor insurance industry to work closely with vehicle manufacturers to review the vehicle risk rating system.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support is available to victims of road traffic collisions involving animals where no human fatality occurs; and whether he plans to review existing support mechanisms for people who are affected.

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

Where a road traffic offence is criminal, those affected by the offence can expect to receive the services set out in the Victims’ Code.

The Victim’s Code is a practical statutory guide for victims of crime, including victims of road traffic offences, to understand what they can expect from the criminal justice system, and outlines the minimum level of service they should receive.

The Ministry of Justice is the lead government department for the Victim’s Code and has committed to undertaking a review of it.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to increase driver accountability for road traffic collisions involving horses and other animals on public roads; and whether she has considered amending the Road Traffic Act 1988.

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

My Department already recognises that horse riders are vulnerable road users with safety needs. Accordingly, the Highway Code covers horse riders and the need for drivers to exercise special care in relation to them.

The Highway Code was updated in 2022 to improve the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable. Key changes included the introduction of a Hierarchy of Road Users, which ensures that those who do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat that they pose to others, along with the strengthening of guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse-riders.

The advice on safe passing distances in Rule 163, says that motorists should “pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10mph and allow at least 2 metres of space”.

The Government does not currently have plans to amend the Road Traffic Act in relation to horse riders.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to increase road safety.

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

The Government treats road safety seriously and is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads.

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

Road safety is a shared responsibility, and this strategy reflects that. It considers action needed by government, local authorities, industry, emergency services and communities to tackle the causes of collisions and save lives. By investing in infrastructure, education, and enforcement, we are taking decisive steps to make our roads safer for everyone.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to improve road safety for equestrians; and whether he plans to update Highway Code guidance or introduce further statutory protections for horse riders.

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

The Highway Code was updated in 2022 to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses including the introduction of a hierarchy of road users.

Following these updates the Department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes.

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 Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January, 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.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Transport Development Fund, if she will publish (a) the projects and programmes funded and (b) the amount allocated to each.

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

The Transport Development Fund referred to in the 2015 Spending Review was a time-limited fund under the previous government.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason she plans to transfer staff to Department of Transport Operator Ltd prior to the completion of the Railways Bill.

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

On 1 April 2026, an important milestone in delivering Great British Railways (GBR) was reached, as a significant part of the functions and staff responsible for the operational railway transferred from DfT to the DFT Operator (DFTO), the Government’s public sector rail owning group.

This move is a practical step towards creating a simpler, more accountable railway that delivers better outcomes for passengers, communities and taxpayers. It ensures the right capabilities sit in the right place now to maintain the strong progress we have already made to improve rail services. It also reduces the risk associated with simultaneous transfer of the organisations, functions, teams and operational capabilities that will form GBR in 2027.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has reviewed the design of the Government Fleet Commitment to ensure that short-term vehicle hire is captured within its targets.

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

Short term vehicle hires, which can happen at short notice, are subject to vehicle availability at the time and the policies of each hire company. The previous Government did not include vehicles hired for fewer than six days within the Government Fleet Commitment, when it established the commitment, and the Department is not considering changing this.

Departments are expected to continue to take action to reduce their impact on the environment, including for example working with lease operators and hire companies to minimise the carbon intensity of their fleets and rental vehicles.

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Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to raise awareness of the risk of severe injury from using e-scooters; and what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on reducing accidents involving e-scooters.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department for Transport continues to assess the safety impacts of e‑scooters through the rental trials and will share these findings in due course. All vehicles carry inherent safety risks, and we have taken a safety‑first approach by running controlled trials before permitting widespread use.

The second national evaluation of the trials, due to conclude this summer, will provide an updated casualty rate and further evidence to inform decisions on future regulation. The Department of Health and Social Care contributes a public health perspective to this work, including consideration of injury prevention and health impacts.

In the meantime, private e‑scooters remain illegal for use on public roads, and enforcement is a matter for the Police.

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Found: For example, the Department for Transport is responsible for managing risks relating to transport infrastructure

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Found: (DfT) with managing the delivery of a new national high speed rail network.

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