Asked by: Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the over-70s are struggling to renew their driving licences due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions; and what steps they are taking to improve the service of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to support over-70s.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) currently has a limited number of staff who are focused on dealing with applications from those who are directly involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence is to use the DVLA’s online service. We are aware that some drivers may face difficulties using that service and those customers should submit a paper application in the normal way. However, paper applications will take longer to process in the current circumstances. The DVLA is considering options to help drivers stay mobile and more information will be made available at the appropriate time.
Asked by: Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what proportion of the total cost of the scheme to improve the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester and the A358 Southfields to the M5 is allocated to enable Highways England to obtain the necessary Development Consent Order.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
The A303 Sparkford to Ilchester scheme announced its preferred route in October 2017. Based on current estimates, the scheme has allocated seven percent (£12 million) of its total scheme cost of £179 million to progress up to obtaining the relevant Development Consent Order.
The A358 Taunton to Southfields scheme is at an earlier stage of development and a preferred route announcement is planned for later this year. Depending on which route option is chosen, the scheme estimates that four percent to five percent of its total scheme cost (ranging from £365 million - £450 million) will be allocated to progress the scheme up to obtaining the relevant Development Consent Order.
Asked by: Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government (1) whether they consider the action of Network Rail in closing the level crossing in the East Sussex village of Plumpton Green acceptable, and (2) whether they will call on Network Rail to re-open the affected road running through the village as a matter of urgency; and what arrangements will be made for emergency vehicles, access for disabled people and parents trying to get their children to local schools.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Whilst Network Rail has an otherwise excellent record of completing works at the 6,200 level crossings which it manages with minimal disruption, it is highly regrettable that there appears to have been a lapse in project management in this particular case.
The impact which the continued closure of the crossing is having on the lives of local residents and businesses is not acceptable. Ministers have raised this matter with Network Rail at the highest level to request that the company urgently re-doubles its efforts in partnership with local stakeholders to find a solution and ensure that the crossing can re-open as quickly as possible.