Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Daniel Francis Excerpts
Thursday 8th January 2026

(2 days, 22 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Simon Lightwood Portrait Simon Lightwood
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I will indeed. It is for local highway authorities to determine the most appropriate measures to achieve the gritting of roads based on local circumstances. We continue to offer support by maintaining a national emergency salt reserve.

Daniel Francis Portrait Daniel Francis (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Lab)
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As chair of the all-party parliamentary group for wheelchair users, I warmly welcome the Department’s announcement this week that it is consulting on its review of the law on powered mobility devices. Will the Minister confirm that the Government are now consulting on changing the current maximum weight limit for powered mobility devices? Currently, those with the heaviest wheelchairs break the law when they use their devices on the pavement.

Simon Lightwood Portrait Simon Lightwood
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Certainly. The 40-year-old laws on powered mobility devices will be brought up to date to better support those who use electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. I can confirm that weight limits form part of the consultation, along with size, speed and usage rules, to better reflect modern technology.