Asked by: Jade Botterill (Labour - Ossett and Denby Dale)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of GPS navigation services on the number of heavy goods vehicles travelling through villages.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
There is no legal requirement for drivers of any vehicle to have or use satellite navigation equipment and the Government currently has no plans to mandate their use.
If such equipment is provided, it is important that it is suitable for the vehicle being driven and it is updated regularly to ensure it has the latest available maps. While these systems can be useful, they cannot replace a driver’s knowledge or skill, especially in the case of diversions due to road traffic collisions or roadworks.
Asked by: Jade Botterill (Labour - Ossett and Denby Dale)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of heavy goods vehicles travelling through villages on (a) traffic and (b) pollution.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
I recognise that heavy goods vehicles (HGV) can have negative safety and environmental impact on villages, particularly where roads and pavements are narrow.
Local traffic authorities have powers under Sections 1 & 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which allow for the restriction or prohibition of the use of HGVs on any road, for a wide range of safety and environmental reasons. These measures can be implemented by making Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) without reference to the Department for Transport.
The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 provide various signs for authorities to consider if they choose to do this, including signs informing motorists that certain roads are unsuitable for HGVs or if a weight limit is in place. The restrictions are then enforceable by the police.
Local authorities can also introduce extra controls on emissions if there are air quality problems in their area. If air quality falls below required standards, the council should declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and make plans for improvements.
Asked by: Jade Botterill (Labour - Ossett and Denby Dale)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to mitigate the impact of heavy goods vehicles travelling through villages.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Local traffic authorities have powers under Sections 1 & 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which allow for the restriction or prohibition of the use of HGVs on any road, for a wide range of safety and environmental reasons. These measures can be implemented by making Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) without reference to the Department for Transport.
The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 provide various signs for authorities to consider if they choose to do this, including signs informing motorists that certain roads are unsuitable for HGVs or if a weight limit is in place. The restrictions are then enforceable by the police.
Asked by: Jade Botterill (Labour - Ossett and Denby Dale)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that the transport system supports economic growth in Ossett and Denby Dale constituency.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Kickstarting economic growth across every corner of the UK is the top priority of this Government.
We’re getting on with delivering the Government’s Plan for Change by delivering the basics of a better transport system, including in places across West Yorkshire, where we are providing £830million of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding to help transform their local transport network. This is funding a range of transport improvements that will benefit West Yorkshire’s economy, including development of the first phase of West Yorkshire Mass Transit.
Asked by: Jade Botterill (Labour - Ossett and Denby Dale)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has plans to provide disabled access at Shepley train station in Ossett and Denby Dale constituency.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
We are carefully considering the best approach to the Access for All programme. Since April 2024, 19 stations have been completed with a further 8 due to be completed by April 2025. We will shortly be updating MPs and other stakeholders on our approach to Access for All. This Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.
Asked by: Jade Botterill (Labour - Ossett and Denby Dale)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress her Department has made on upgrading the Penistone rail line.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Penistone Line is a Levelling Up Fund programme scheme valued at £47.9m and is subject to business case approval. Funding for Levelling Up Fund schemes is currently only confirmed until the end of financial year 2025/26. Funding for local transport capital schemes beyond March 2026, including for Levelling Up Fund schemes, will be considered as part of the Spending Review, due to conclude in Spring.
Asked by: Jade Botterill (Labour - Ossett and Denby Dale)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what financial support she is providing to local transport authorities and Mayors to improve local bus services in Yorkshire.
Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government is committed to delivering the better, more reliable bus services that passengers deserve. In the Budget the government confirmed investment of over £1 billion to support and improve bus services and keep fares affordable. Local transport authorities (LTAs) in Yorkshire have been allocated over £76 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services. This includes £36 million allocated to West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
In addition to funding for LTAs, eligible bus operators in Yorkshire can claim funding through the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) and BSOG Plus, which supports bus service provision.
All future funding for buses will be considered as part of the upcoming multi-year spending review. We have also committed to reforming bus funding to give local leaders more control and flexibility to allow them to plan ahead to deliver their local transport priorities.