Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether (a) her Department and (b) the arms length bodies sponsored by her Department are compliant with the Supreme Court ruling in the case of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025].

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

The Department for Transport is aware of the Supreme Court’s judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers (2025) and its implications for the interpretation of the protected characteristic of sex in the Equality Act 2010.

The Department awaits the publication of the updated statutory cross-government guidance from the Office for Equality and Opportunity and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, to support consistent implementation of the judgment across departments and public bodies. The Department regularly reviews its policies and guidance to ensure they remain legally compliant and consistent with evolving case law. Once the statutory guidance is published, the Department will move quickly to consider future policy.

The Department’s arm’s‑length bodies are being kept informed of this process and will be expected to make any necessary updates in line with the forthcoming cross‑government guidance. All bodies sponsored by the Department are required to comply with the Equality Act 2010 and to take account of relevant case law, and we will continue to support them to do so.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March 2026 to Question 115060, what examples her Department has identified of (a) decarbonisation of road maintenance operations and (b) preventative lower-carbon treatments referred to in Metric 9 of the Methodology used to calculate ratings for local road maintenance; and if she will publish the evidential basis for their inclusion in that metric.

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

Examples of activities relevant under this metric include the more efficient management of vehicle movements to both increase operational efficiency and cut carbon emissions. They also include the greater adoption of preventative road surface treatments, such as preservation, rejuvenation or surface dressing. These techniques keep roads in good condition for longer and prevent potholes, while also reducing carbon emissions and costs.

The Local Government Association published guidance for local highway authorities last year, which provides an overview of different road resurfacing techniques and sets out the benefits of preventative techniques in terms of higher value for money, reduced disruption to residents, and lower carbon emissions. The guidance is available online, at: https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/improving-highways-maintenance-productivity.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, a) What estimate her Department has made of i) the average retail price of vehicles eligible for the £3,750 Electric Car Grant, and ii) the proportion of new electric vehicles currently on sale that qualify for the full grant; b) what assessment she has made of regional variation in EV uptake rates since July 2024, and c) what estimate she has made of the average household income of grant recipients.

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

Preliminary data on vehicles ordered and delivered to customers since grant launch show that the median purchase price of a vehicle eligible for the £3,750 Electric Car Grant (ECG) banding before the grant is applied is £24,009.88.

Based on registration data for December 2025, 5% of new electric vehicles registered in that month received £3,750 through the ECG.

The Government is committed to continued EV uptake across the UK and is working closely with devolved and local governments to achieve this. Data on licenced ultra-low emission vehicles across regions since July 2024 is at this link:

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.publishing.service.gov.uk%2Fmedia%2F696641a38d599f4c09e1fff7%2Fveh0132.ods&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

Household income is not assessed or recorded as part of grant eligibility for end customers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of compliance by airlines with the Air Passenger Rights and Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019; and what steps they are taking to ensure that airlines do not misinform UK passengers regarding their eligibility for compensation for flights departing from UK airports.

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

In the UK, Regulation (EC) 261/2004 sets out passenger rights in the event of certain flight disruptions. This includes a requirement for airlines to provide affected passengers with information on their rights.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for ensuring airlines meet their obligations under the Regulation. It is currently undertaking a Regulation 261/2004 compliance programme to assess airline performance.

The CAA also published research in July 2025 as part of its work programme aiming to improve industry communications with consumers during disruption. This makes 12 recommendations for airlines, focusing on the timing, content and channels of communication that should be used during disruption.

In addition, the CAA and the Department have published guidance that helps passengers understand their rights when flying.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many staff within her Department are reliant on a visa for employment.

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

The Department for Transport (central) currently sponsors visas for 33 skilled workers and has an additional 19 employees working on other visa types.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has her Department made on helping to reduce the waiting time for driving test appointments.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests that will break down barriers to opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change. The national average waiting time for a car practical driving test in January 2026 was 21.2 weeks.

DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country to provide as many tests as possible. A full-time driving examiner (DE) can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.

Examiner capacity is rising. Since April 2025, and as of January 2026, DVSA has seen an increase in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) DEs, from 1,413 to 1,546; an increase of 130 FTE DEs.

During the current financial year to 31 January 2026, DVSA has conducted 1,623,925 tests. DVSA introduced the additional test allowance scheme in June 2025; from this date to 31 January 2026, DVSA has seen an increase of 123,320 tests when compared to the same period in the previous year.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to support the innovation and development of second and third generation sustainable aviation fuel.

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

We are encouraging the innovation and development of sustainable aviation fuels through a number of policy measures: The SAF Mandate, introduced in January 2025, generates a demand for advanced fuels by capping HEFA SAF and having targets for second and third generation SAFs.

We also encourage the development of such fuels through the Advanced Fuels Fund which is providing £63m to support 17 projects this year across a range of advanced SAF development including power-to-liquid. Support for the development of second and third generation SAFs will continue through the upcoming spending review period.

We also fund the UK SAF Clearing House, which coordinates the testing and qualification of SAF. Over £223k of grant funding for fuel testing has been awarded since 2024.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has defined quantitative benchmarks for determining whether private sector delivery of public electric vehicle chargepoints is sufficient to meet the 2030 target.

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

An estimate of potential future demand for charge points was originally published in the 2022 “Taking Charge: The National Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy” and ranged from 280,000 to 720,000 in 2030. This analysis was updated in 2024 to a range of 250,000 to 550,000 in 2030.

The Department has not defined quantitative benchmarks for the private sector, though we closely monitor electric vehicle charger rollout and publish public charger statistics monthly. Statistics include publicly and privately funded public chargers. We support uptake through targeted grants and funding and regularly engage with local authorities and the private sector on progress. The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund requires local authorities to complete quarterly reporting of charger delivery.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has she made of the potential impact on UK security of the inclusion of BYD Company Limited on the recent update to the “Entities Identified as Chinese Military Companies Operating in the United States in Accordance with Section 1260H of the William M. (“Mac”) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283)1".

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

As part of the National Security Strategy the Government is implementing new measures to make the UK a harder target for actors who seek to exploit our open, democratic society. This includes bolstering our cyber and economic security defences.

For example, the national security powers in the Procurement Act 2023 allow the Government to exclude suppliers from public sector procurement, terminate their public contracts and debar them from future ones. These powers target risk from individual suppliers—not specific countries—and will be used proportionately based on the threat posed.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113313 on Driving Instruction: Vacancies, how many of those positions were individually advertised, how many were (a) full-time, and (b) part-time, and where those individual positions were advertised on GOV.UK.

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

All driving examiner (DE) vacancies are advertised on Civil Service Jobs on GOV.UK. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has run block recruitment campaigns for multiple roles across the driving test centre network in England, Scotland and Wales, repeatedly since 2021. DVSA has not run any campaigns for individual posts.

As stated in the answer to Question 113313, all DVSA examiner roles are open to applications from people seeking full-time, or part-time, employment.

DVSA also has a careers page on GOV.UK which highlights the DE role. This page directs any interested candidates wishing to apply, to live DE recruitment campaigns on Civil Service Jobs.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March 2026 to Question 113833, what consideration her Department has given to introducing a national standard definition of a pothole, including minimum size and safety thresholds.

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

The Well‑managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice, which is in the process of being updated, advises that local highway authorities should use a risk‑based approach when assessing and repairing defects. The Code does not define a national pothole size or threshold; instead, it recommends that each authority determine its own intervention criteria based on local circumstances, usage and risk. This reflects the fact that local highway authorities have a duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 (as amended) to maintain the highways network in their area.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has held discussions with (a) Transport for London and (b) Hammersmith and Fulham Council on potential funding contributions for repairs for Hammersmith Bridge.

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

I wrote to you and members of the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce, which includes Transport for London and Hammersmith and Fulham Council, on 27 February.

I set out in my letter that I consider Hammersmith Bridge to be a good candidate for investment from the Structures Fund, and my Department intends to consider the viability of future funding for the next stage of works via this route.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the answer of 2 March 2026 to question 115655, what safeguards and checks the DVLA has in place to ensure the 1,840 number plate suppliers who have been struck off the register of number plate suppliers since 2020 cannot successfully re-apply to become a registered supplier.

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

The 1,840 suppliers who were removed from the Register of Number Plate Suppliers (RNPS) since 2020 includes those suppliers who were removed voluntarily, suppliers that have ceased trading and those whose removal was ordered by a court.

Suppliers who were removed from the RNPS voluntarily or because they have ceased trading can re-register at any time. Removals from the RNPS ordered by a court are usually for a fixed period, up to a maximum of five years.

If the DVLA is aware that removal from the RNPS has been ordered by a court, the supplier will not be able to rejoin the register until the length of the exclusion ordered by the court has expired.

When a supplier applies to join the RNPS, checks are carried out against the business and individual’s name(s) and address to confirm if they have previously been on the RNPS. This ensures number plate suppliers whose removal from the RNPS was ordered by a court cannot successfully re-apply to become a registered supplier during their removal period.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many sites has her Department shortlisted to potentially receive funding from the Structure Fund.

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

The Department for Transport surveyed local highway authorities and transport stakeholders on the assessment criteria for the Structures Fund in February 2026. We are currently considering the responses and will confirm the final prioritisation criteria in due course. Once these criteria are published, the Fund will be opened for investment proposals from local authorities, and the Department will then be able to confirm which, and how many, schemes are to receive funding from the Structures Fund.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will have discussions with motor manufacturers on levels of headlight beam intensity while driving when dark.

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

In response to public concerns raised about glare from vehicle headlamps an international glare prevention taskforce has been established at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. UK officials and vehicle manufacturers representatives are actively involved in the work of the group which is looking at potential measures to reduce the occurrence of headlamp glare.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2026 to Question 107147 on Hybrid Vehicles: Safety, if he will place a copy in the Library of the insurance industry analysis; and what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of that analysis.

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

The analysis was conducted by Thatcham Research on behalf of the insurance industry. Although key findings have been summarised in published material, the full analysis is not publicly available.

As a result, it is not possible to place a copy in the library, and no assessment has been made of the effectiveness of that analysis.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what criteria will be used to consider potential sites for funding via the Structures Fund.

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

The Department for Transport surveyed local highway authorities and other transport stakeholders on the criteria for prioritising structures for investment through the Structures Fund in February 2026. The Department is currently considering responses to the survey and will confirm the criteria that will be used to prioritise schemes for funding in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps she has taken to reduce waiting times for practical driving tests in (a) Slough and (b) South East.

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

The attached Excel spreadsheet shows how many practical car driving tests were conducted and cancelled, at Slough driving test centre in each month of 2024 and 2025. Also included is the number of practical car driving test slots that were available to book during this period but were not used. It is not possible to include data on the number of tests cancelled that then go on to be unused.

Please note this data is up to 31 March 2025. Data for individual driving test centres is updated annually. The next update to this information will be published in June/July. DVSA publishes some of this data which is available on GOV.UK

DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in Slough and the southeast, to provide as many tests as possible. A full-time driving examiner (DE) can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.

For Slough driving test centre (DTC), a new entrant driving examiner has successfully completed their training which will help to increase the number of tests available at this centre. Two further new entrant driving examiners will also be undertaking training shortly.

For the southeast, since 1 April 2025, DVSA has successfully recruited 108 new driving examiners.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many driving tests (a) took place, (b) were cancelled and (c) went unused at the Slough Driving Test Centre in each month of (i) 2024 and (ii) 2025.

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

The attached Excel spreadsheet shows how many practical car driving tests were conducted and cancelled, at Slough driving test centre in each month of 2024 and 2025. Also included is the number of practical car driving test slots that were available to book during this period but were not used. It is not possible to include data on the number of tests cancelled that then go on to be unused.

Please note this data is up to 31 March 2025. Data for individual driving test centres is updated annually. The next update to this information will be published in June/July. DVSA publishes some of this data which is available on GOV.UK

DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in Slough and the southeast, to provide as many tests as possible. A full-time driving examiner (DE) can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.

For Slough driving test centre (DTC), a new entrant driving examiner has successfully completed their training which will help to increase the number of tests available at this centre. Two further new entrant driving examiners will also be undertaking training shortly.

For the southeast, since 1 April 2025, DVSA has successfully recruited 108 new driving examiners.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what data her Department holds on the (i) volume and (ii) cost of missed MOT appointments in each of the last three financial years.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) supervises the delivery of light vehicle MOTs in Great Britain through its approved MOT garages. However, as these are private garages, DVSA does not collate overall data on the volume and cost of missed MOT appointments.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a) enhanced lighting and b) CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

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

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of freight crimes reported in the last 12 months occurred at secure lorry parks.

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

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the availability of secure lorry parks on freight crime levels.

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

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of freight crime over the last five years.

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

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to paragraph 88 of the UK Government Resilience Action Plan, how many meetings Ministers in their Department have attended related to the Home Defence Programme.

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

Department for Transport Ministers have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience.

The Home Defence Programme was established in August 2024 to build the UK’s resilience to any potential escalation to conflict. It is an evolving and enduring programme of work which provides defence, security and resilience planning, focused on aligning military and civil effort in the event of a period of crisis and international hostilities affecting the UK, informed by and reflecting the recommendations from government strategies, including the Strategic Defence Review, National Security Strategy and Resilience Action Plan.

The Department for Transport is actively supporting this work.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy current EU visa arrangement for professional haulage drivers and those in the creative sector.

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

UK haulage drivers are able to operate in the EU without the need for a visa, providing they do not spend more than 90 days in the EU within any 180-day period.

The Department for Transport is undertaking research to improve understanding of the effects of the 90 in 180-day Schengen immigration limit (‘90/180’) on the international operations of GB-based HGV and coach businesses (including those working in the creative sector) that hold standard international operator licences. The data is currently being processed, and the findings will be published in due course.

Members of the creative sector are bound by the 90/180 limit for short stays but must apply for a work-permit or performance visa or other national visa to work. The Government recognises that this can create real challenges for them as their work often involves moving between multiple countries over short periods.

In the UK-EU Summit of 19 May 2025, the European Commission and the United Kingdom recognised the value of travel and cultural and artistic exchanges, including the activities of touring artists. They committed to continuing their efforts to support travel and cultural exchange. Building on the Summit, the Government is exploring with the EU Commission and EU Member States how best to improve arrangements for touring across the European continent.

The Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the adequacy of visa arrangements for the creative sector.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to Answer of 26 February 2026 to Question 115137, how many new secure HGV parking spaces have been delivered in each region of England since 2022.

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

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent data her Department holds on levels of freight crime affecting HGV drivers.

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

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, a) whether she has considered adopting a practical in-flight colour vision assessment model, such as the Aviation Operational Colour Vision Assessment used by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia, b) what assessment she has made of the potential benefits of introducing an operational colour vision assessment in the UK, and c) whether she plans to consult the Civil Aviation Authority on implementing a practical colour vision flight test.

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

Pilot colour vision testing is an issue that is considered by aviation authorities across the world. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is in discussion with national aviation authorities, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), about developments in this area including the use of operational assessments and determining their safety and effectiveness.

The CAA has worked with City University, London, to develop the colour assessment and diagnosis (CAD) test and this has allowed them to pass 35% of applicants with a colour vision deficiency, including some who failed the lantern tests used previously. An independent analysis reported that only the CAD test and anomaloscopes (when used correctly) have 100% sensitivity and specificity when assessing colour vision. While other aviation authorities, including the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), are starting to use operational assessments, this is as part of a wider suite of tests.

The CAA only accepts CAD testing for advanced colour vision testing, in the absence of evidence published in peer review literature regarding the effectiveness of operational assessments. CAD testing is easier to deploy than operational assessments and there is agreement among several aviation authorities that operational assessments need to be properly validated and compared with current methods for colour vision testing.

The CAA recognises that colour vision testing is an important matter for the pilot community and are committed to reviewing the safety evidence as it emerges. The priority remains to ensure that we are satisfied with the safety implications of any potential assessment solutions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, a) how many full or partial weekend closures affecting London Liverpool Street services have occurred since July 2024; b) what assessment she has made of the economic impact of weekend engineering works on commuters and businesses in eastern England; and c) what steps her Department is taking to improve network resilience during major engineering works.

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

It is very rare to close Liverpool Street on a weekend for longer than 27 hours and not on a Saturday. Network Rail will occasionally consider closing the full station on a Sunday as, with train operators, they can offer alternative travel options into London for passengers. However, there have been some full weekend closures of Liverpool Street station because of extensive eight-day engineering blocks undertaken over Christmas 2024 and 2025 to carry out major roof renovations at the station. Note that on these occasions, services terminated at Stratford, with connections into the Liverpool Street area available.

Network Rail analyses routes across the whole of the UK to minimise disruption to critical passenger and freight flows such as those to London Gateway and Felixstowe reducing the impact to a minimum as practically as possible.

Network Rail plans major engineering works to coincide with expected low overall passenger demand (for example, by not planning works on popular seaside routes in mid-Summer). Network Rail aims to maintain operational resilience, to minimise disruption, and to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of major engineering works, and timely completion of those works.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether small to medium-sized commercial work and fishing vessels could be incorporated in the RTFO framework, allowing carbon credits to be applied to each litre of fuel and reducing the cost per litre of HVO.

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

Last year the Government published the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy, setting out the pathway to zero emissions by 2050. This will be delivered through five key policies, including fuel regulation and emissions trading. Alongside this we published a Call for Evidence on decarbonising smaller vessels, and we will publish a summary of responses to this later this year.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the TS Shtandart is prohibited from entering UK territorial waters; if so, what is the legal basis for that restriction, including any sanctions, maritime regulations or national security considerations; whether any guidance has been issued to port authorities or maritime enforcement agencies regarding the treatment of the vessel; and whether any exemptions or conditions exist by which that vessel may be permitted entry.

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

As the UK is a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, any vessel with a valid flag status has the right to innocent passage through the UK’s territorial sea.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of drainage maintenance practices by local highway authorities.

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

Local highway authorities have a duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain the highways network in their area. It is for each individual local highway authority to assess which parts of its network need repair and what standards should be applied, based upon their local knowledge and circumstances.

Although the Government does not currently assess the adequacy of drainage maintenance practice in each authority, it does encourage authorities to maintain their drainage assets through guidance.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress her Department has made on the research into the decline in road adoption rates across England; and when she expects to publish the findings of that research.

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

The Department is continuing its dedicated research into the decline in road adoption rates across England. This includes gathering evidence from local highway authorities and wider stakeholders to understand current challenges and assess options to improve and streamline the adoption process. The findings from this work will inform any future policy or legislative considerations. We expect to publish the findings later this year.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department is developing an integrated safety strategy for the A34; and what discussions she has had with relevant local authorities on (a) funding and (b) delivery of safety improvements along the route.

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

National Highways’s route strategies are the principal evidence-gathering mechanism that informs investment planning for the Strategic Road Network. The A34 is considered as part of the ‘Solent to Midlands’ route strategy where ‘Improving Safety for All’ is a key theme and objective. There is significant consultation with local authorities and stakeholders in the formation of these strategies, and they are reviewed, and reconsulted on, as part of the development of each 5-year Road Investment Strategy cycle.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what further safety improvements are planned for the A34 beyond those currently underway; and what the planned timetable is for the completion of current works.

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

National Highways is currently undertaking a renewal of the road markings on the A34 from Chieveley to the M40, which is due to be completed by 18 March. It is undertaking studies into the safety performance of slip roads accessing the A34 from the communities of East Ilsley and Beedon, and this work is due to conclude later in the spring. It is also reviewing the access from Chieveley, and looking into options for flood reduction at East Ilsley.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her department is taking to ensure the online DVLA application process is accessible to all.

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

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) online services currently adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and work is underway to bring all services to WCAG 2.2 level AA status to attain full compliance with the most recent accessibility requirements.

Customers can contact the DVLA digitally, by telephone or in writing. The DVLA offers a variety of reasonable adjustments to customers which can range from simple adjustments like providing correspondence on coloured paper or in large print, to providing a video relay service for British Sign Language users who want to contact the DVLA via telephone.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what evidence her Department holds that floating bus stops improve (a) actual cyclist safety and (b) cyclists’ perception of safety.

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

Cyclists face significant risk when interacting with motor vehicles: in 2024 there were 14,549 cyclist casualties on Great Britain’s roads, the overwhelming majority arising from collisions with motor vehicles rather than pedestrians or other cyclists.

The importance of perceived safety is reflected in survey evidence. The latest Walking and Cycling Index (2023) shows that 58% of residents support more cycle paths protected from traffic, reflecting continued strong public backing for protected cycling infrastructure.

Active Travel England is undertaking further research, reporting in 2027, to strengthen the evidence base on the safety, accessibility and user experience relating to Floating Bus Stops.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to introduce minimum national standards for highway drainage maintenance.

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

Local highway authorities have a duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain the highways network in their area. It is for each individual local highway authority to assess which parts of its network need repair and what standards should be applied, based upon their local knowledge and circumstances.

Although the Government does not currently assess the adequacy of drainage maintenance practice in each authority, it does encourage authorities to maintain their drainage assets through guidance.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department provides guidance to blind and partially sighted people who are unable to cycle or drive.

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

The government is committed to improving transport services, so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity, including for blind and partially sighted people. As part of our broader mission to break down barriers to opportunity, we recognise that more needs to be done to ensure public transport is accessible to all.

Our Bus Services Act 2025 includes a comprehensive package of measures to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of local transport. Through the Act, we are helping authorities to provide safer and more accessible bus stations and stops and mandating more streamlined disability training for bus drivers and frontline staff. We are also requiring local authorities to regularly review the accessibility of their bus networks through the development and publication of a Bus Network Accessibility Plan.

We are equally committed to improving the experience for disabled passengers on rail services and that is why we published the Department’s roadmap to an accessible railway. It sets out what we are doing now to improve the day-to-day travelling experience for disabled passengers in the lead up to Great British Railways being established. The Railways Bill will also establish a Passenger Watchdog, protecting the rights of disabled passengers by monitoring service delivery, investigating persistent issues, and advocating for improvements. We are also continuing to install accessible routes at stations through our Access for All programme and have completed a programme to install platform edge safety tactiles on every platform in the country.

The government recognises that pavement parking is also an issue that resonates deeply with communities across the country. The impact is felt by many; particularly people living with sight-loss, mobility or sensory disabilities, older adults, parents with young children, and anyone who relies on safe, accessible pavements to move around independently.

We are taking forward a new, devolved approach to pavement parking, reflecting our commitment to decisions being made closer to the communities they affect. Local leaders understand their community best and are therefore in the strongest position to meet local needs effectively. The measures the government is taking forward support our commitment to improve transport users’ experience, ensuring that our roads and pavements are safe, reliable, and inclusive.

The Department also provides advice to taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities in England on the steps they can take to improve the accessibility of services. This recommends mandatory disability awareness training for drivers and sets out recommendations to make reporting of incidents of alleged discrimination straightforward, with authorities expected to investigate thoroughly and take effective action. It also recognises the specific challenges that visually impaired passengers may face when providing evidence of incidents and advises licensing authorities to accept appropriate audio or video evidence and, where relevant, seek information from operators and partner agencies. The guidance also encourages authorities to explore more accessible payment options, such as ‘talking’ meters or more accessible card readers.

Further, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.

The provision of accessible transport services, including for blind and partially sighted people, also requires a strong impetus from transport providers. We would expect transport authorities and operators to play their part in delivering this service – by communicating with their passengers, including about the accessibility measures they provide to encourage use.

To build on this, we are committed to developing an Accessible Travel Charter. The Charter is a commitment to a shared vision for accessible travel. It will set out what disabled travellers can expect from their journeys, share best practice across organisations and create consistency in end-to-end journeys for disabled travellers.

The Department also provides other support to allow blind and partially sighted passengers to travel including through the blue badge scheme and concessionary travel on public transport.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the proportion of cyclist injury collisions that occur (a) at and (b) in the vicinity of bus stops; and whether evidence supports the association of cyclist collisions with bus stop design.

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

There is no national estimate of cyclist injury collisions occurring at or near bus stops. National collision data does not routinely identify bus-stop locations, and non-fatal cycling injuries are significantly under-reported, making precise calculations difficult.

Cyclists face substantial injury risk when mixing with motor traffic. In 2024, there were 14,549 cyclist casualties on Great Britain’s roads (82 killed, 3,822 seriously injured), the overwhelming majority involving motor vehicles.

Active Travel England and the Department is undertaking further research, reporting in 2027, to strengthen the evidence base on the safety, accessibility and user experience relating to Floating Bus Stops.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the difference in colour vision medical standards between the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the (a) Irish Aviation Authority, (b) Federal Aviation Administration in the US, (c) Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia and (d) Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand; how many pilots have (i) been denied and (ii) lost an initial Class 1 medical certificate due solely to colour vision deficiency in the last five years; what assessment she has made of the potential impact of colour vision medical standards on pilot (A) recruitment and (B) retention.

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

The UK approach to pilot colour vision testing involves initial screening using Ishihara test plates. Where applicants make a single error, advanced colour vision testing using the Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test is required to measure colour vision. The CAD test is one of the few tests designed around a colour dependent aviation task. Applicants with normal or mild impairment are assessed as fit, whilst those with significant colour vision impairment are assessed as unfit. In the absence of evidence published in peer review literature regarding the effectiveness of operational assessments, the CAA only accepts CAD testing for advanced colour vision testing.

We have no evidence to suggest that the UK CAA’s colour vison standards have a significant impact on pilot recruitment. Our aim is to foster a diverse and inclusive sector, while ensuring that the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained. Prospective pilots apply for the initial issuance of a Class 1 medical certificate prior to commencing/being accepted for training to become a commercial pilot. There are currently around 22,000 commercial pilots in the UK. Between 1 April 2021 and 31 January 2026, there were 6,930 initial Class 1 medical examinations in the UK. Only 18 applicants for a Class 1 certificate during this period (0.3% of total) were assessed as unfit solely due to colour vision impairment.

There should also be no impact on pilot retention, since following successful application for a Class 1 medical certificate, a certificate holder would only lose their certificate if they developed a significant condition that may also be associated with colour vision impairment such as macular degeneration with visual loss. Such conditions tend to occur much later in life.

While other regulators may take differing approaches, the UK approach is aligned with international norms. In the absence of peer reviewed evidence regarding the effectiveness of alternative approaches, the UK is engaging with the ICAO-led work referenced in my previous response.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 27 January 2026 to Question 106601, what the (a) operating revenue, (b) operating costs and (c) net cost of onboard catering were for TransPennine Express in each financial year between 1995–96 and 2024–25.

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

We are only able to provide data since the transfer into public ownership in May 2023. The data for 2023/24 (May onward) and 2024/25 are:

The difference in cost is explained by the fact that 2023/24 is a part year, and 2024/25 is a full year, with the one-off implementation costs of TransPennine Trains’ (TPT) ‘Coast to Coast’ catering set up in that year.

Catering is a service offer on most of the longer distance operators, including TPT, whose core business is leisure travel, and where journey lengths are often in excess of two hours. Revenue generated by First Class, in which catering is an important feature, is also an important part of TPT's business model. The revenue numbers do not include fares income generated by the availability of catering on board TPT services, which are captured within TPT's wider reporting on revenues by route.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many ships in UK waters suspected of being associated with the movement of Russian oil have been monitored in the last four years; and what steps her Department took in each instance.

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

The UK Government monitors all vessels in UK waters which are of interest to the safety of mariners, the marine environment and the UK’s national security.

Since October 2024, the Department for Transport’s Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism has challenged over 700 suspected shadow fleet vessels with unknown insurance, a significant portion of the shadow fleet, to provide their insurance as they transit the English Channel.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have sanctioned over 500 shadow fleet vessels, which prohibits these vessels from entering UK ports, and signals to the global maritime community that these vessels are dangerous and should not be interacted with.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many injuries and deaths caused by e-scooters and e-bikes there have been in each of the past three years.

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

The information requested is not held.

Data on deaths and injuries in reported road collisions is based on information reported to the Department by police forces in Great Britain via the system known as STATS19.

STATS19 does not distinguish between e-bikes, which will be included within the pedal cycle or electric motorcycle categories depending on their power rating. Additionally, STATS19 does not assign blame to any of the participants in collisions, so that it is not possible to provide figures on injuries or deaths caused by any mode of transport.

The number of deaths and injuries in collisions involving e-scooters and pedal cycles is shown in the table, for the three most recent years for which figures are available. In most cases, the casualties was the rider of the e-scooter or the pedal cyclist themselves.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many casualties and deaths have been caused by e-scooters, bikes and pedal bikes in each of the past three years.

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

The information requested is not held.

Data on deaths and injuries in reported road collisions is based on information reported to the Department by police forces in Great Britain via the system known as STATS19.

STATS19 does not distinguish between e-bikes, which will be included within the pedal cycle or electric motorcycle categories depending on their power rating. Additionally, STATS19 does not assign blame to any of the participants in collisions, so that it is not possible to provide figures on injuries or deaths caused by any mode of transport.

The number of deaths and injuries in collisions involving e-scooters and pedal cycles is shown in the table, for the three most recent years for which figures are available. In most cases, the casualties was the rider of the e-scooter or the pedal cyclist themselves.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government for what reasons will train passengers be unable to change their flexible ticket on the day of departure and be refused a refund.

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

The Government is committed to tackling fraud on the railways. The new rules on ticket refunds from 1 April, will help prevent an estimated £40 million a year in losses caused by passengers fraudulently claiming refunds on tickets that were never scanned, despite having used them for travel.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of advances in AI and vehicle autonomy on the UK motor insurance market.

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

Officials in my department regularly engage with the insurance industry to ensure insurance products will be available in line with the deployment of automated vehicles.

The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 sets out the regulations for insurance requirements for automated vehicles specifically. Our recent call for evidence, launched in December 2025, seeks views on various aspects of the automated vehicles regulatory framework, which includes insurance. Responses received will support future consultation on the proposed regulations, with full implementation of the Act anticipated by the second half of 2027.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made recommendations to UK airports on increasing modal shift away from private car use.

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

My Department has introduced a range of measures to encourage and support UK airports in moving passengers and staff away from private car use. All major UK Airports have been required to have a Surface Access Strategy since 2000, with clear modal‑shift and sustainable transport objectives. Specific targets for airports to reduce private car modal share typically come from planning obligations linked to expansion proposals. In addition, my Department continues to invest in public transport networks to provide passengers with credible and convenient alternatives to car travel.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 78719 on East West Rail Line, when she expects (a) train testing, (b) driver training and (c) general works to be completed in order for the new station at Winslow to open.

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

The Department is working closely with Chiltern and other partners to confirm a start date for the first EWR services between Oxford and Milton Keynes.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113159, whether the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency holds contact details for individuals who have previously failed the Approved Driving Instructor Part 3 test; and whether it has assessed the potential merits of using that cohort as a potential recruitment pool for driving examiner vacancies.

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

As with any customer who uses the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) services, their data will be retained on record for a period of time. There are, however, Data Protection rules regulating how this data can be used. As stated in the answer to Question 113159, DVSA seeks to attract applications from as wide a pool as possible, and not just from those who may have a driving instructor background. DVSA are aware, however, that driving examiner (DE) vacancies likely attract a significant proportion of approved driving instructors (ADI) via our regular advertising.

All DE vacancies are publicly advertised on Civil Service Jobs on GOV.UK. DVSA also uses online jobsites and places posters in driving test centres to publicise roles.

DVSA uses the Government Recruitment Service hosted applicant tracking system, through a contract with the Department for Transport. DVSA cannot get details of applicant referral sources from this service.

DVSA can collect click-through rates for some areas, such as some forms of advertising.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113161, whether (a) her Department and (b) the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency collects data on traffic, click-through rates and referral sources for driving examiner applications.

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

As with any customer who uses the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) services, their data will be retained on record for a period of time. There are, however, Data Protection rules regulating how this data can be used. As stated in the answer to Question 113159, DVSA seeks to attract applications from as wide a pool as possible, and not just from those who may have a driving instructor background. DVSA are aware, however, that driving examiner (DE) vacancies likely attract a significant proportion of approved driving instructors (ADI) via our regular advertising.

All DE vacancies are publicly advertised on Civil Service Jobs on GOV.UK. DVSA also uses online jobsites and places posters in driving test centres to publicise roles.

DVSA uses the Government Recruitment Service hosted applicant tracking system, through a contract with the Department for Transport. DVSA cannot get details of applicant referral sources from this service.

DVSA can collect click-through rates for some areas, such as some forms of advertising.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Rule H1 was developed as part of the Government’s active travel or modal shift objectives; and what steps she took to consult motorcyclist and motorist organisations during drafting.

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

The previous Government updated the Highway Code in 2022 to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses including the introduction of a hierarchy of road users. This review of the Highway Code was announced as part of the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy Safety Review in September 2017.

When undertaking the review of The Highway Code the Department for Transport worked closely with representative organisations to seek their views and experiences, including motoring groups. The consultation on the proposed changes ran for 3 months and generated a huge response with nearly 21,000 replies received from a wide range of road users.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help promote and raise awareness of measures to prevent bike thefts such as insurance, appropriate bike locks, and police bike marking.

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

I am aware that bike theft is a major problem and that the fear of having a bike stolen can act as a serious deterrent to those who might otherwise want to take up cycling. Active Travel England is providing funding for local authorities to introduce secure cycle parking. Ultimately, enforcement of offences concerning cycle theft and advice on preventative measures is a matter for the police.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will consider introducing number plates for e-bikes and e-scooters.

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

Introducing a number plate system on e-bikes would be complex and expensive to design and administer. It would also require fitting registration plates that were sufficiently visible and robust and could not easily be transferred from one cycle to another. A previous detailed review of this idea concluded that the cost and complexity of introducing such a system would far outweigh the benefits.

Regarding private e-scooters, they are currently illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements. The Government has committed to pursuing legislative reform for micromobility vehicles, such as e-scooters, when parliamentary time allows. Any regulations, which could include a potential requirement for number plates, will be consulted on before they come into force so that all interested parties have a chance to shape the new regime.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March 2026 to Question 115050, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the exit of Zipcar from parts of the UK on the car-sharing market; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of that exit on the future viability of the car-sharing sector.

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

The Department wants sustainable transport options to be available to all. The Department is assessing the evidence base and considering how best to support the car sharing sector and ensure the right measures are in place to support car clubs and other shared vehicle services across the UK.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2026 to Question 115453 on Railways: Government Assistance, what the decrease in support is expected to be in each year of the spending review period.

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

The Department for Transport's support for the 14 contracted operators and Network Rail was £8.47 per journey in 2024/25. It is currently estimated that this will steadily decrease to just over £7 per journey in 2028/29. This means an average year on year reduction of 4.3%.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what research her Department has commissioned and reviewed on emerging drug-driving testing technologies that are more cost-effective and provide faster processing than oral fluid tests; what steps she is taking to accelerate the adoption of such technologies by police forces; and what guidance and financial support she provides to ensure that police budgets do not limit the frequency of drug-driving testing.

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

The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed is the responsibility of individual Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners, taking into account local problems and demands. The police are operationally independent.

We will continue to support the police to ensure they have the tools needed to keep road users safe.

Building on the success of the Roads Policing Review, the Department is developing a new Roads Policing Innovation Programme (RPIP), working with key partners in enforcement and compliance, including the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Alongside the recently published Road Safety Strategy, which sets out wider government plans to improve road safety across enforcement, infrastructure, vehicle safety and post‑collision care, this work will help ensure that policing and enforcement activities continue to evolve in line with emerging evidence and priorities.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate in light of the February 2026 decision by the Government of Canada to repeal its EV sales mandate.

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

Government continues to monitor regulatory approaches to support the transition to zero emission vehicles in other countries. These vary depending on the economic, market, and geographic circumstances of each country.

The UK remains a leader in the ZEV transition, and the ZEV Mandate remains essential to meeting our objectives on air quality, energy security and industrial policy as well as delivering on our climate commitments. We will publish a review of the ZEV Mandate in early 2027, with preparations beginning this year.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to reduce speed limits on roads outside of schools to 20 miles per hour or below during school (a) hours, (b) arrival times and (c) collection times.

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

Local traffic authorities have the power to set 20mph speed limits where people and traffic mix, for example outside schools. They can also set enforceable 20mph limits that apply only at certain times of day, for example at school drop-off and pick-up times.

The Government supports 20mph limits in the right places, particularly around schools or where walking and cycling levels are high. However, the Government does not support mandating a national change, as many roads are unsuited to 20mph by the nature of their function or geometry and could unintentionally reduce safety. Local authorities are best placed to decide where 20mph limits will work effectively based on local conditions and community needs.

If, following consultation with local communities, local authorities decide to take such actions, they will have the Department's full backing.

The Government expects local authorities to work with local schools, parents, and communities to address concerns about road safety in their local area.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her timetable is for the implementation of national taxi standards across England.

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

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.

If passed, we are committed to using the powers to set the standards as quickly as possible. As this will be the first time that mandatory standards in taxi and private hire vehicle licensing have been set, it is vital that sufficient time is taken to get them right to provide certainty and stability for passengers and the trades.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if her Department will consider using World Wildlife Day to promote driver awareness of wildlife on the roads.

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

The Department do not have any plans to use World Wildlife Day to promote driver awareness of wildlife on the roads. A main focus for this Government is to make our roads safer for all users, which will in turn reduce the risk to all animals.

There is a range of traffic signs prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 to warn drivers of road safety risks due to wildlife on or near roads. It is for local traffic authorities to determine if such signs are required to address a road safety issue on their roads.

Advice on the use of these signs is given in Chapter 4 of the Traffic Signs Manual, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to mitigate risks posed to public transport workers who are lone working.

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

The Department wants everyone to feel and be safe on the public transport network, and we are working across government and with partners, including the British Transport Police (BTP), the transport industry, and local authorities to this end.

On the railways, there are robust safety arrangements in place to support staff who are operating independently and alone, whether they be track workers, station staff, train guards, or signallers, among other roles. These arrangements are mandatory due to the strong statutory safety duties that apply to operators and employers on the railway. To mitigate the risks associated with lone working, the industry is implementing various measures to improve safety and security.

The BTP are the dedicated police force responsible for policing the railway in England, Scotland and Wales. Their officers patrol the network 24/7 to provide reassurance to passengers and staff and deter criminals from offending. BTP also work closely with the rail industry to encourage staff to report offences so they can take action against offenders. Reporting can be done by texting 61016, calling 0800 405040 or calling 999 in an emergency.

As part of the Departmental transport commitments outlined in the recently published Action Plan of the Government's ‘Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy,’ the Department is currently exploring expanding the provision and use of CCTV on the bus network, to increase feelings of safety and reduce the length of investigations.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to make functioning CCTV mandatory on trains, buses and coaches and associated stations.

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

The installation and use of CCTV on vehicles and at stations is an operational decision with many operators and local authorities choosing to install CCTV on their networks.

As of March 2024, 96% of buses used by local operators in England were equipped with CCTV, some coach operators already use CCTV on their vehicles, and most new train procurements since 1996 have included CCTV provision.

On the railway, where CCTV is installed, National Rail Contracts and Service Agreements require operators to comply with relevant industry guidance and standards. This includes ensuring that CCTV equipment is properly maintained and remains in working order, and that recorded images are securely stored and retained so they are available to support investigations when required. Train operators are expected to follow the Rail Safety and Standards Board’s Rail Industry Standard for on‑train camera monitoring systems, which covers matters such as system performance, image quality, secure storage and retention.

The Department recently announced nearly £17 million of funding for a project to connect railway station CCTV directly to the British Transport Police and is exploring expanding the provision and use of CCTV on the bus network, to increase feelings of safety and reduce the length of police investigations.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to give traffic wardens powers to impose fines and penalties and the ability to confiscate illegally used and operated e-scooters and e-bikes while they are parked.

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

The Government has committed to pursuing legislative reform for micromobility vehicles, which is likely to include e-scooters, when parliamentary time allows. Any regulations will be publicly consulted on before they come into force.

Local authorities employ civil enforcement officers and already have the powers in some circumstances to remove and dispose of abandoned, obstructively or dangerously parked e-scooters and e-cycles.

The police have responsibility for enforcement of illegal use, and the Crime and Policing Bill introduced in 2026 will give the police stronger powers to stop and seize vehicles being used illegally without issuing a warning.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the closure of the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training on the (a) quality assurance of registered driving instructor trainers and (b) ability of prospective trainer providers to establish accredited training provision.

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

The Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT) scheme was suspended by the previous Government in November 2023. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency recognises the importance of ORBIT and will engage with the industry and discuss how and when the scheme should resume.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department will achieve an average 5% annual real-terms reduction in resource spending between 2025-26 and 2028-29.

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

Spending plans for the period from 2025-26 to 2028-29 were agreed with HM Treasury as part of the Spending Review 2025 settlement and can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spending-review-2025-document.

They were amended as part of the Autumn Budget 2025 and can be found at [page 146] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/Budget_2025.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many standards checks of approved driving instructor trainers have been carried out in each of the last five years; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of periods of more than five years without quality assurance checks on training quality.

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

DVSA does not have a separate standards checks for trainers of ADIs. If a driving instructor wishes to train driving instructors, they do not need an extra qualification.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government will establish a national database of licensed taxi and private hire vehicle drivers accessible to licensing authorities.

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

Since 2023 all licensing authorities have been required to use a national licensing database to facilitate the sharing of information when a taxi or private hire vehicle driver has had a licence refused, suspended or revoked on the grounds of safeguarding, road safety or equality discrimination concerns. The Department for Transport is considering options to reform the regulation of the sector, and as part of this intends to have a national licensing database with the details of every driver, vehicle and private hire vehicle operator licence.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to introduce a single national definition of a fit and proper person for taxi and private hire vehicle driver licensing.

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

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what methodology she uses to assess the effectiveness of pothole funding.

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

The Department for Transport published local road maintenance ratings on 11 January, measuring how well each local highway authority is maintaining its local roads and making use of its increased government funding. The methodology used to calculate the ratings is available online, at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/methodology-used-to-calculate-ratings-for-local-road-maintenance

The Department will also be evaluating the effectiveness of its local highways maintenance funding in line with the methodologies set out in its Transport Analysis Guidance and the Treasury's Magenta Book.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is the date of the next meeting of the Hammersmith Bridge task force.

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

A further meeting of the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce will be held after funding arrangements for the Structures Fund have been confirmed. My officials will be in touch with relevant stakeholders in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has (a) held meetings and (b) consulted with (i) railway companies, (ii) passenger groups and (iii) other stakeholders on potential changes to the Delay Repay scheme.

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

Ensuring that passengers can access compensation when they face delays is a key part of delivering a fair deal for passengers on the railway.

We have one of the most generous Delay Repay systems in Europe. We continue to make progress on improving the ease with which passengers can claim Delay Repay, with the majority of Department for Transport contracted train operators offering automated 'one-click' compensation, and as we do so, we will continue to engage stakeholders where appropriate.

Delivering Great British Railways (GBR) offers the opportunity to go further, removing fragmentation and making it easier and more convenient for passengers to claim Delay Repay, including through the upcoming GBR website and app.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she is considering revising the Delay Repay scheme's eligibility criteria.

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

Ensuring that passengers can access compensation when they face delays is a key part of delivering a fair deal for passengers on the railway.

We have one of the most generous Delay Repay systems in Europe. We continue to make progress on improving the ease with which passengers can claim Delay Repay, with the majority of Department for Transport contracted train operators offering automated 'one-click' compensation, and as we do so, we will continue to engage stakeholders where appropriate.

Delivering Great British Railways (GBR) offers the opportunity to go further, removing fragmentation and making it easier and more convenient for passengers to claim Delay Repay, including through the upcoming GBR website and app.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether local highway authorities are eligible for central government funding for bus stop schemes that do not incorporate floating bus stop designs.

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

The Department is providing all local transport authorities (LTAs) with multi-year consolidated funding settlements, delivering our commitment in the English Devolution White Paper to simplify funding. These consolidated local transport settlements will give LTAs greater freedom and flexibility to make the investment decisions that best impact their local areas. LTAs can therefore use this funding to introduce or upgrade bus stops in their areas if they wish to do so.

On 20 November 2025 the Department wrote to local authorities requesting they put on hold certain designs of floating bus stop which require people to board or alight directly from or into a cycle track. This applies to new schemes at the design stage.

Local authorities must have regard to the statutory guidance on floating bus stop provision and design published on 26 January and available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/floating-bus-stops-provision-and-design/floating-bus-stops-provision-and-design.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether DVSA has considered using the GOV.UK instructor page as a recruitment channel.

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

As stated in the answer to Question 113159 the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps its recruitment activity under regular review to ensure it attracts applications from as wide a pool as possible, and not just from those who may have a driving instructor background.

The use of the GOV.UK instructor page is primarily intended to provide information and services for approved driving instructors, however, all driving examiner vacancies are publicly advertised on Civil Service Jobs on the GOV.UK website and DVSA also publishes information about available career opportunities through its “Working for DVSA” pages on GOV.UK.

DVSA does not hold centrally a snapshot of the total number of driving examiner vacancies by calendar month but continually reviews its workforce requirements in response to customer demand and operational need. Recruitment is managed through ongoing and periodic national and regional campaigns rather than fixed monthly vacancy totals.

As part of this approach, DVSA has continued to run national recruitment campaigns for driving examiners, including a campaign launched in February 2026 advertising multiple driving examiner posts across the country. These campaigns are intended to address recruitment pressures and improve driving test capacity, particularly in areas with the greatest demand.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many driving examiner vacancies existed in (a) January 2026 and (b) February 2026.

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

As stated in the answer to Question 113159 the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps its recruitment activity under regular review to ensure it attracts applications from as wide a pool as possible, and not just from those who may have a driving instructor background.

The use of the GOV.UK instructor page is primarily intended to provide information and services for approved driving instructors, however, all driving examiner vacancies are publicly advertised on Civil Service Jobs on the GOV.UK website and DVSA also publishes information about available career opportunities through its “Working for DVSA” pages on GOV.UK.

DVSA does not hold centrally a snapshot of the total number of driving examiner vacancies by calendar month but continually reviews its workforce requirements in response to customer demand and operational need. Recruitment is managed through ongoing and periodic national and regional campaigns rather than fixed monthly vacancy totals.

As part of this approach, DVSA has continued to run national recruitment campaigns for driving examiners, including a campaign launched in February 2026 advertising multiple driving examiner posts across the country. These campaigns are intended to address recruitment pressures and improve driving test capacity, particularly in areas with the greatest demand.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2026 to Question 110885 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, if she will make an estimate of the average amount of public funding provided per chargepoint under schemes administered by her Department.

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

Most public charge points have not received any public subsidy. The average amount of public funding per charge point under the closed On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS), is currently approximately £3,500 for completed projects. This is subject to change as some projects have not yet completed. The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Capital Fund allocated £343m to local authorities in England and is expected to deliver at least 100,000 charge points by leveraging significant private investment alongside public funds.

Information on the amount of public funding and number of charge points supported is published quarterly and available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69245447ba812a67cb6a5673/electric-vehicle-charging-device-grant-scheme-statistics-october-2025.ods

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has for the future of the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant beyond April 2026; and if she will consider extending the scheme to support the uptake of low and zero emission L-category vehicles.

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

The Plug in Motorcycle Grant has supported almost 16,000 vehicle purchases since 2016 and, as announced in February 2025, will close at the end of the 2025/26 financial year or when budgets have been exhausted, whichever comes first.

EV incentives are designed to encourage the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). It is crucial they target the most polluting vehicles to enable the Government to meet its legally binding carbon emission reduction targets. Policy interventions are always kept under review.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of electric vehicle charge-point accessibility for disabled people.

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

The Government is committed to ensuring that public charging infrastructure is accessible for all. In November 2025, the British Standards Institution published the results of a review, commissioned by the Government and Motability Foundation, on changes needed to improve uptake of the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 1899:2022 standards for charge point accessibility. The recommendations from this review are now being used to inform revisions to the relevant charge point accessibility standards. We will continue to monitor the adoption of the standards and their impact on accessibility to assess the need for further measures.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March 2026 to Question 115554 on Great British Railways: Finance, whether she plans to publish the (a) internal modelling, (b) business case documentation and (c) analytical assessments which informed the forecast that corporate initiatives under the Department’s Efficiency Plan will deliver net savings in 2028–29.

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

The Department has no plans to publish the internal modelling or initial business case development which informed the savings from corporate initiatives in the Department’s Efficiency Plan.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 6 March 2026 to question 117378, what evidence her Department submitted to the Office for National Statistics' consultation regarding possible changes to the standard for ethnicity categories, including in relation to the recording of Sikhs and Jewish people as ethnic groups.

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

The Department for Transport submitted no evidence to the Office for National Statistics’ formal consultation regarding views on whether additional tick-box response options are required for a new ethnicity harmonised standard. The Department contributed evidence at an earlier stage, providing data on the detailed responses provided by respondents to the National Travel Survey who had selected an ‘other’ ethnic background category and were subsequently asked how they would describe themselves.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March 2026 to Question 115052, whether permitting (a) contractors to issue fixed penalty notices under bus byelaws for profit and (b) payment structures linked to the number of fines issued are being considered for the guidance for local transport authorities under the Bus Services Act 2025.

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

The guidance for local transport authorities on the byelaws provisions in the Bus Services Act 2025 is still being developed and will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2026 to Question 115062, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of increases in business rates on planned private sector investment in Channel Tunnel rail services.

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

The 2026 business rates revaluation, which is a continuing process, is a matter for the operationally independent Valuation Office Agency (VOA). The VOA is due to publish its final ratings list this Spring.

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 remote access and deactivation capability in Chinese-manufactured electric buses on (a) cybersecurity and (b) publicly funded zero-emission bus procurement.

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

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

The department introduced two new regulations in November 2025: one to strengthen vehicle cybersecurity and one on software updates (UN Reg 155 and UN Reg 156). The cybersecurity regulation sets out requirements to mitigate potential threats in vehicle construction, to monitor emerging threats and to respond to cyber-attacks. The software updating regulation sets out requirements for upgrading software in a safe and secure manner, that is documented and the vehicle's user is fully informed throughout the process.

As part of the National Security Strategy the government is also bolstering our cyber and economic security defences. For example, the national security powers in the Procurement Act 2023 allow the Government to exclude suppliers from public sector procurement, terminate their contracts and debar them from future ones. These powers target risk from individual suppliers – not specific countries – and will be used proportionately based on the threat posed.

We are aware of recent reports from Norway concerning an electric bus manufacturer. Officials are investigating these, and the Transport Secretary will update the Transport Committee once the work is complete.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the M54 to M6 link road route will be confirmed.

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

The Preferred Route for the M54 to M6 Link Road scheme was announced in September 2018, following public consultation. The route selected provides the highest benefit to the local economy, the best journey time options, and was preferred by most of the respondents to the public consultation. The route includes a two-lane dual carriageway link road between M54 at junction 1 and M6 at junction 11.

Funding for the scheme was confirmed on 8 July 2025, following the conclusion of the Spending Review. The scheme will be formally confirmed as part of the setting of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), planned to be published by the end of March 2026.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to publish an updated Business Case for East West Rail before the commencement of the Development Consent Order examination.

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

In line with Treasury guidance, the development of the Business Case for East West Rail will progress as East West Rail Company continues to develop and refine the project.

The Full Business Case will be submitted for approval and then published, once planning consent has been secured, which is standard for this type of project.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with (a) the Royal National Institute of Blind People, (b) Guide Dogs, and (c) the National Federation of the Blind of the UK on the accessibility of floating bus stop designs.

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

The Department engages with a wide range of stakeholders in developing policy on street design. My officials and I have met with a range of groups in developing policy on floating bus stops including the Royal National Institute of Blind People, Guide Dogs and the National Federation of the Blind UK.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she expects the DVLA Fee Strategy to be published.

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

While the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency keep its fees under constant review, there are currently no plans to publish a fees strategy.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions her Department has had with relevant stakeholders on the potential for a direct rail link between South Wales and Heathrow Airport.

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

The Department regularly engages with stakeholders on transport to Heathrow, in line with the Statement of Approach to engagement during the ANPS review. The Government recognises the vital role that surface access will play as part of any future expansion of Heathrow Airport. As part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), launched on 22 October 2025, we will consider the transport infrastructure required to support a third runway, including rail connectivity and mode share targets. This will include considering the impacts for travellers from different regions.

The Government has been clear that expansion must be affordable and delivered in the best interest of passengers. Scheme costs should be minimised and financed through private funding, including any surface transport costs.

While it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the ANPS review at this stage, it will be the responsibility of any expansion promoter to set out a surface access strategy demonstrating how they will meet the requirements set out in the ANPS.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what arrangements are in place to maintain the Schedule 17 Ticketing and Settlement Agreement terms between Rail Delivery Group and train operating companies on a) their transfer to DFT Operator of Last Resort and through b) the transition to Great British Railways.

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

Train operating companies are expected to maintain the ticket office opening hours set out in Schedule 17 to the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement (TSA) throughout their transfer to DfT Operator and as Great British Railways (GBR) is established. As part of wider rail reform and the move to GBR, we are considering if changes to the TSA are needed to ensure GBR can fulfil its role as directing mind for the railways in Great Britain.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will review the evidential basis for the Colour Assessment Diagnosis test.

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

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) keeps the evidential basis for colour vision testing under regular review. The Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test, developed with City University London, is currently the only advanced colour vision test accepted by the CAA because independent analysis has shown that it, along with anomaloscopes when used correctly, provides 100% sensitivity and specificity. The CAD test is also used by other aviation authorities including the United States’ Federal Aviation Authority, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.

We recognise the importance of this issue for the pilot community and will continue to monitor emerging evidence and international practice carefully. International bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), are also actively examining developments in this area. EASA has commissioned a major research programme on colour vision in aviation, expected to conclude in 2026, which may inform future policy. The Government’s priority remains maintaining the high level of aviation safety expected in the UK.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment HM Treasury has made of the potential economic impact of the expiry of the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant on SMEs and self-employed delivery riders.

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

As announced in February 2025, the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant will close at the end of financial year 2025/26 or when current funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

In 2024, mopeds and motorcycles accounted for 0.4% of domestic transport greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Available funding is being targeted at higher emission segments such as cars, vans, and heavy duty vehicles.

Ending the £500 Plug-in Motorcycle Grant is not expected to have a significant impact on uptake of zero emission motorcycles or on riders. The Government, working with industry, will monitor the development of the zero emission motorcycle market and the need for any further interventions on an ongoing basis.

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 expiry of the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant on consumer uptake of regulated electric mopeds and motorcycles.

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

As announced in February 2025, the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant will close at the end of financial year 2025/26 or when current funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

In 2024, mopeds and motorcycles accounted for 0.4% of domestic transport greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Available funding is being targeted at higher emission segments such as cars, vans, and heavy duty vehicles.

Ending the £500 Plug-in Motorcycle Grant is not expected to have a significant impact on uptake of zero emission motorcycles or on riders. The Government, working with industry, will monitor the development of the zero emission motorcycle market and the need for any further interventions on an ongoing basis.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on what policy basis has her Department decided to allow the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant to lapse.

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

As announced in February 2025, the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant will close at the end of financial year 2025/26 or when current funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

In 2024, mopeds and motorcycles accounted for 0.4% of domestic transport greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Available funding is being targeted at higher emission segments such as cars, vans, and heavy duty vehicles.

Ending the £500 Plug-in Motorcycle Grant is not expected to have a significant impact on uptake of zero emission motorcycles or on riders. The Government, working with industry, will monitor the development of the zero emission motorcycle market and the need for any further interventions on an ongoing basis.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has plans to reinstate the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant.

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

As announced in February 2025, the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant will close at the end of financial year 2025/26 or when current funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

In 2024, mopeds and motorcycles accounted for 0.4% of domestic transport greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Available funding is being targeted at higher emission segments such as cars, vans, and heavy duty vehicles.

Ending the £500 Plug-in Motorcycle Grant is not expected to have a significant impact on uptake of zero emission motorcycles or on riders. The Government, working with industry, will monitor the development of the zero emission motorcycle market and the need for any further interventions on an ongoing basis.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether any costs were incurred by updating railway station announcements to convey a message from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

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

The cost of loading and subsequently removing the announcement was £350; this was proportionate as a means of informing passengers about the freeze of regulated rail fares.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to provide support for the electric motorcycle industry after the end of the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant.

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

The Government has committed £7.5 billion over the next decade to support industry and the public as they transition to zero emission vehicles.

Ending the £500 Plug-in Motorcycle Grant is not expected to have a significant impact on uptake of zero emission motorcycles or on riders. The Government will continue to work with industry and monitor the development of the zero emission motorcycle market and the need for any further interventions on an ongoing basis.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment the Department has made of the potential merits of installing solar photovoltaic generation directly on railway infrastructure to provide lower cost electricity for the rail network and to reduce reliance on new national grid connections.

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

The government has established Great British Energy and is committed to significantly increasing the amount of renewable energy generation in the UK by 2030.

Network Rail purchases electricity for the railway and is committed to transitioning to renewable energy for both the electricity it uses for its own operations, and the electricity to power trains. Network Rail already generates some of this electricity on the rail estate and is continuing the roll out of new renewable generation assets (primarily solar) on the estate.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2026 to Question 110890 on HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme, what schemes have been withdrawn by (a) location and (b) operator.

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

A total of 16 projects have been withdrawn by operators from the HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme.

The regional distribution of withdrawn schemes is as follows:

East Midlands: 7

East of England: 5

North West of England: 1

South East of England: 1

West Midlands: 2

The location and names of these operators are commercially sensitive.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 23 February 2026 to Question 112226 on Airports: Fees and Charges, whether her Department plans to collect information from airports on the level of kerbside drop-off charges paid by passengers.

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

Kerbside drop‑off charges are commercial matters for airports to set and justify to their customers, and information on charge levels is already freely available on airports’ respective public websites.

The Department collects a range of information on airports’ surface access strategies through our regular engagement with airport operators, and drop‑off charges form part of these wider discussions.

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Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport regarding employer deductions from seafarers’ wages for accommodation costs.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) continues to consider the recommendations from the Low Pay Commission (LPC)'s report on the accommodation offset, including the recommendation about its application to seafarers. As part of this work we are engaging with the Department for Transport. We anticipate responding to the LPC's recommendations regarding the accommodation offset in due course.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will provide a response to the recommendation in the National Minimum Wage: Low Pay Commission Report 2022 CP 758 that seafarers be exempted from the Accommodation Offset.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) continues to consider the recommendations from the Low Pay Commission (LPC)'s report on the accommodation offset, including the recommendation about its application to seafarers. As part of this work we are engaging with the Department for Transport. We anticipate responding to the LPC's recommendations regarding the accommodation offset in due course.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to page 17 of the report by the National Audit Office entitled Department for Transport overview 2024-25, published in November 2025, what the £478 million whole-life cost of the NO2 Programme comprises, by project, programme and local authority scheme; and how much of that cost has been spent to date.

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

The Department for Transport (DfT) spend on the NO2 Programme up to the end of financial year 2024/25 was £450m.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2026, to Question 108681, on Chinese Embassy: Planning Permission, if he will list each developer or applicant that has been given clarification meetings or pre-application engagement since July 2024.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Since July 2024, officials have undertaken pre-application engagement with:

• a Cross-Whitehall Group that included the Department for Transport, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and HM Revenue & Customs,
• the Home Office, and
• the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

Engagement in these instances related to prospective Crown or Urgent Crown applications, and carried out in accordance with planning propriety guidance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment the National Cyber Security Centre has made of the potential impact of kill switches in Chinese-made (a) cars and (b) buses on cyber security.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Modern vehicles – including cars and buses – are increasingly using software to support safer driving, to improve diagnostics and to provide a host of other services such as navigation and entertainment.

The Government takes national security extremely seriously and recognises the systemic challenges of increased connectivity and the cyber security implications for almost every area of government policy, including vehicles. The National Cyber Security Centre has published guidance to help organisations understand and manage the associated risks, ensuring that system connectivity is approached in a way that balances security with the significant benefits it provides.

The Department for Transport introduced two new regulations: one to strengthen vehicle cybersecurity and one on software updates (UN Reg 155 and UN Reg 156). The cybersecurity regulation sets out requirements to mitigate potential threats in vehicle construction, to monitor emerging threats and to respond to cyber-attacks.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to his Department's press release entitled Health service to save millions with boost to electrify NHS fleet, published on 27 February 2026, by what date the additional hundreds of EV charging sockets funded by the £4 million boost will be installed across NHS sites in England; and how many of those are in Essex.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

This £4 million in capital funding will be provided via a budget transfer from the Department for Transport to the Department of Health and Social Care in the financial year 2026/27, and capital will only be available for projects in that year. Projects have not yet been selected, and NHS England is leading the selection process, working in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Deputy Prime Minister sets out vision for the justice system, published on 24 February 2026, which additional local authorities plan to adopt the scheme allowing prisoner transport vans to use bus lanes.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

We agree with Sir Brian’s Leveson’s recommendation in the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts that Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) should be enabled to use bus lanes when transporting prisoners. However, these decisions are ultimately for local authorities.

PECS vehicles already use bus lanes in Manchester, Bristol, Salford and Nottingham. We are currently engaging with local authorities across the country to expand this, and will work with the Department for Transport to ensure that local authorities are aware of the role they can play in reducing prisoner delays. For example, in London we are working closely with Transport for London to pilot a scheme that retimes traffic signals to prioritise PECS vans on three routes in the capital. Around 300 traffic lights will be adjusted so that PECS vehicles are more likely to receive green lights on their journey to court.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the number of court delays in (a) Basildon, (b) Essex and (c) England attributable to late prisoner transport in each of the last three years.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The number of contractual delays caused by late prisoner transport to court attributable to the Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) suppliers for Basildon, Essex and England between 2023 and 2025 are shown in the table below.

PECS performance remains consistently over 99%, and while even small numbers of delays can have visible impacts in busy courts, we are improving reporting through digital development of a new application, this will further enable PECS to ensure performance data is transparent and accurately reflects what is happening across the system. We value feedback from all stakeholders which enable PECS to ensure performance data is transparent and accurately reflects what is happening across the system.

We recognise the problems we inherited in prisoner transfer with delays occurring at prisons, en route between prison and court and at courts themselves in bringing prisoners to the dock. The Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending and I will chair an oversight body established to review prisoner transfer from end to end. This will monitor and drive performance improvements in prisoner transfer across the country.

We are working with the Department for Transport to issue guidance on PECS’ use of bus lanes to all local authorities. And in London, where traffic regularly causes delays, we are working closely with Transport for London (TfL) to reduce avoidable delays and keep the justice system moving.

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