Asked by: Alex Norris (Labour (Co-op) - Nottingham North)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to extend driving licence validity for people who need to submit paper applications due to not holding a UK passport, during the covid-19 pandemic while the DVLA are unable to process paper applications for people who are not essential workers.
Answered by Rachel Maclean
The administrative validity period of all photocard driving licences expiring between 1 February and 31 August 2020 has been extended by seven months from the date of expiry. Drivers do not need to take any action as this extension is granted automatically.
Drivers who need to renew their entitlement to drive and cannot use the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s online service should submit a paper application in the normal way. However, these will take longer to process in the current circumstances.
The Department is urgently exploring further ways of mitigating difficulties people are facing if they cannot transact online.
Asked by: Alex Norris (Labour (Co-op) - Nottingham North)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government has taken to encourage employers to support women in the workplace that are experiencing menopause by (a) training staff to provide support, (b) raising awareness and (c) providing transition-related advice.
Answered by Elizabeth Truss
The Government is committed to supporting working women at all stages of their lives and enabling them to reach their potential.
We have worked with businesses and academics to highlight the role employers can play in supporting women going through menopause transition, including setting out practical actions employers can take. This work also sits alongside other policies and programmes, such as flexible working, which can help everyone remain economically active as long as they choose to.
Asked by: Alex Norris (Labour (Co-op) - Nottingham North)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of Storm Ciara on public transport in (a) Nottingham and (b) the UK.
Answered by Grant Shapps - Secretary of State for Defence
Storm Ciara impacted all modes of transport, both in Nottingham and across the UK, and I extend my sympathies to all those affected. Operators and highway authorities implemented contingency arrangements and resumed services as quickly and safely as possible, whilst keeping the travelling public informed.
Asked by: Alex Norris (Labour (Co-op) - Nottingham North)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 February 2020 to Question 9106, on Transport: Midlands, what comparative assessment he has made of the level of funding allocated from the public purse to transport programmes in the (a) East Midlands and (b) West Midlands.
Answered by George Freeman
All transport schemes are assessed on the merits of their case. We are taking steps to improve transport infrastructure where needed, to level-up the country, including across the Midlands, such as developing the Midlands Rail Hub. Our most recent public analysis shows that over the period 18/19 to 20/21 we will have spent an average of £264 per head in the East Midlands each year and £255 in the West Midlands.
Asked by: Alex Norris (Labour (Co-op) - Nottingham North)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the work to electrify the Midland Mainline will commence.
Answered by Chris Heaton-Harris - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Electrification works between Bedford and Kettering, as part of the Midland Main Line enhancement programme, are underway. Electric services on this route are planned to commence from December 2020.
The Midland Main Line enhancements programme will support better journeys from 2020, including faster journeys in the peak and more seats, with further improvements from 2022 with a fleet of brand new bi-mode trains.