Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many miles of the M1 motorway between Junction 34 and Junction 1 had speed restrictions as a result of roadworks as of 1 January in each year between 2015 and 2025.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Unfortunately, the information requested can only be provided at disproportionate cost as the department does not hold this information.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the impact of time delays on road users is taken into account when determining the length of motorway (a) maintenance and (b) improvement contracts.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
For maintenance activities, National Highways operates long-term Maintenance & Response (M&R) contracts, typically spanning 8–15 years. These contracts handle tens of thousands of interventions across the Strategic Road Network annually. Currently, there are 10 M&R contracts, each covering approximately the same road network length as 10 years ago. However, on average, the contract durations have slightly increased compared to their previous iterations. To minimise the impact on customers, National Highways ensures that individual maintenance activities are carefully planned, with most works conducted overnight and designed to have minimal disruption.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to introduce new regulations to clarify the legal use of (a) ebikes and (b) escooters.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The law on the use of e-cycles and e-scooters is clear. E-cycles can legally be used in the same way as a regular pedal cycle providing the user is aged 14 or over, and providing the cycle meets in full the requirements set out in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 (as amended). There is ample guidance on gov.uk on this matter. In short, the requirements state that the cycle must be fitted with pedals that can propel it; must have a maximum continuous rated power output of no greater than 250 Watts; and that the motor must stop providing assistance at 15.5 miles per hour. Any electric cycle that does not meet the EAPC regulations is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be approved, registered, insured, and taxed as a motor vehicle; and riders will also need an appropriate driving licence to ride one and must wear an approved motorcycle safety helmet.
It is currently illegal to use private e-scooters on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements, and rental e-scooters can only be used as part of the Government’s rental e-scooter trials. The Government recognises the need to address public concern about the regulation of e-scooters and is considering next steps. It will consult on any new proposed regulations before they come into force.
Enforcement of the rules for e-cycles and e-scooters is a matter for the police.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the average length of motorway (a) maintenance and (b) improvement contracts in terms of (i) duration and (ii) distance covered has changed in the last 10 years.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
For maintenance activities, National Highways operates long-term Maintenance & Response (M&R) contracts, typically spanning 8–15 years. These contracts handle tens of thousands of interventions across the Strategic Road Network annually. Currently, there are 10 M&R contracts, each covering approximately the same road network length as 10 years ago. However, on average, the contract durations have slightly increased compared to their previous iterations. To minimise the impact on customers, National Highways ensures that individual maintenance activities are carefully planned, with most works conducted overnight and designed to have minimal disruption.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the tram train pilot between Sheffield and Rotherham, how many similar schemes (a) have been developed, (b) are under construction and (c) are being planned.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
There are currently no other tram-train examples in England. The Department is currently working with Greater Manchester Combined Authority as they develop their business case for their “Pathfinder” project in the North East Quadrant of Greater Manchester, where tram-train is being considered as a potential technology option.
In addition, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is considering the expansion of the Sheffield Supertram, which might include tram-train, and the Department is working closely with SYMCA as they continue to develop those plans.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will hold discussions with the metro mayors on the potential merits of electrifying the Midland Mainline.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Secretary of State is committed to working closely with metro mayors, and understands the important relationship between them and the Department. This commitment to collaboration includes on projects such as Midland Main Line electrification. Discussions on transport issues with regional and local leaders have already begun.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her planned timetable is for introducing new trains on the Midland Mainline between Sheffield and London.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Under East Midlands Railway’s plan, the new Class 810 ‘Aurora’ Bi-mode trains will commence passenger service operation during 2025, with phased introduction continuing into 2026.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the likely completion date of the electrification of the Midland Main Line to Sheffield.
Answered by Huw Merriman
Recent plans from Network Rail indicate that electrification of the Midland Main Line route to Sheffield and Nottingham could be completed in the early 2030s, subject to the necessary business case approvals.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his Department's timescales are for the introduction of a third fast train each hour between Sheffield and Manchester.
Answered by Huw Merriman
The Government is committed to upgrading the Hope Valley line which would help enable a third fast train between Manchester and Sheffield. The industry is in the early stages of planning next steps including delivery dates. The plan builds on the ongoing upgrades to the line due to complete this Spring which will deliver performance and capacity improvements for passengers and freight.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects the planned new rolling stock for the midland mainline to be available.
Answered by Huw Merriman
Good progress is being made by East Midlands Railway (EMR) on the introduction of their new Class 810 ‘Aurora’ fleet with the first unit now going through testing.
EMR are meeting with the manufacturer, Hitachi, this month to discuss the delivery timescales of the programme after which a firm timeline for passenger service introduction is expected.