Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England, outside of London.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.
Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.
The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. East Midlands Combined County Authority has been allocated £40.5 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse for legal costs relating to compulsory purchase orders made for the HS2 project.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
All property acquisitions under compulsory purchase orders entail legal costs, for example in relation to conveyancing. The Department has not made an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse for legal costs associated with compulsory purchase orders for the HS2 project, as these costs vary depending on the size and complexity of each transaction and some cases have not yet been completed.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce the cost of motor insurance premiums.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Our cross-Government taskforce on the cost of motor insurance is exploring how we can stabilise or reduce premiums to break down barriers to opportunity and grow the economy, delivering the Plan for Change. We will provide updates about the taskforce in due course.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing approved driving instructors to conduct driving tests to help clear the current backlog.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.
As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.
All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book.
There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.
The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.
DTC | Average car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024 | Booked tests | Tests available to book in 24 week booking window |
Ashfield | 22.8 | 2,296 | 100 |
Chesterfield | 19.8 | 1,647 | 191 |
Worksop | 11.5 | 2,086 | 515 |
Nottingham (Colwick) | 24 | 4,392 | 212 |
Nottingham (Chilwell) | 23.8 | 3,753 | 59 |
National | 19.5 | 561,451 | 67,190 |
The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.
The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.
There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with the DVSA on the adequacy of the rule that driving tests cannot be booked more than 24 weeks in advance.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.
As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.
All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book.
There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.
The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.
DTC | Average car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024 | Booked tests | Tests available to book in 24 week booking window |
Ashfield | 22.8 | 2,296 | 100 |
Chesterfield | 19.8 | 1,647 | 191 |
Worksop | 11.5 | 2,086 | 515 |
Nottingham (Colwick) | 24 | 4,392 | 212 |
Nottingham (Chilwell) | 23.8 | 3,753 | 59 |
National | 19.5 | 561,451 | 67,190 |
The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.
The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.
There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with the DVSA on tackling the backlog of driving tests.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.
As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.
All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book.
There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.
The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.
DTC | Average car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024 | Booked tests | Tests available to book in 24 week booking window |
Ashfield | 22.8 | 2,296 | 100 |
Chesterfield | 19.8 | 1,647 | 191 |
Worksop | 11.5 | 2,086 | 515 |
Nottingham (Colwick) | 24 | 4,392 | 212 |
Nottingham (Chilwell) | 23.8 | 3,753 | 59 |
National | 19.5 | 561,451 | 67,190 |
The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.
The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.
There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average waiting time is for a driving test at each driving test centre in Ashfield constituency.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.
As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.
All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book.
There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.
The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.
DTC | Average car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024 | Booked tests | Tests available to book in 24 week booking window |
Ashfield | 22.8 | 2,296 | 100 |
Chesterfield | 19.8 | 1,647 | 191 |
Worksop | 11.5 | 2,086 | 515 |
Nottingham (Colwick) | 24 | 4,392 | 212 |
Nottingham (Chilwell) | 23.8 | 3,753 | 59 |
National | 19.5 | 561,451 | 67,190 |
The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.
The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.
There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support local bus services in Ashfield constituency.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Improving local bus services is a key part of this government’s growth mission. The government will introduce a Buses Bill later this Parliamentary session. This will put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, including in Ashfield and Mansfield, to choose the model that works best in their area, whether that be franchising, high-quality partnerships with private operators or local authority ownership.
In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities. East Midlands Combined County Authority has been allocated £40.5 million.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to increase the frequency of bus services in Ashfield and Mansfield constituency.
Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Improving local bus services is a key part of this government’s growth mission. The government will introduce a Buses Bill later this Parliamentary session. This will put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, including in Ashfield and Mansfield, to choose the model that works best in their area, whether that be franchising, high-quality partnerships with private operators or local authority ownership.
Under franchising, the local authority has control of the bus network including setting routes, timetables and fares.
In addition, the government has confirmed £925 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Local authorities can use the £925 million to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.
The government will continue working closely with local transport authorities including Nottinghamshire County Council, and others, to deliver better bus services throughout England.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to help tackle backlogs of (a) road maintenance and (b) upgrades in Ashfield and Mansfield constituency.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local highway network. Nottinghamshire County Council is the local highway authority for the Ashfield and Mansfield constituency, and they are therefore responsible for the condition of their local network.
This Government has a commitment to enable local highway authorities in England to fix up to a million more potholes a year. At Budget 2024, the Chancellor announced an extra £500 million for local highway maintenance for the 2025/26 financial year, an increase of nearly 50% compared to the current financial year exceeding this Government’s manifesto commitment on repairing local roads.
The Government will confirm funding allocations to English local highway authorities and mayoral combined authorities, including the East Midlands Combined Authority of which Nottinghamshire County Council is a constituent member, in due course.