Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
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 including the regulation of self-driving delivery robots alongside other forms of micro mobility.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
This government is determined to seize the opportunities of emerging micromobility and tackle any negative impacts which may arise. We actively monitor the industry and the new vehicle types and business models being developed while carefully considering policy steps to ensure these are operating safely and in the interests of our communities.
Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to support the use of autonomous last-mile delivery robots on pavements.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government has no current plans to legislate in this space. However, we are determined to seize the opportunities of emerging micromobility and tackle any negative impacts which may arise. We are actively monitoring the industry, new vehicle types, and new business models, and we will keep under review the case for legislative change.
Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her planned timetable is for determining whether to bring forward legislative proposals to make e-scooter rental trials permanent.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
As you will appreciate, the new Government is still in its early stages, and I am carefully considering next steps for the e-scooter trials and what legislative changes may be required in future.
Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to require that e-scooter (a) trials and (b) permanent schemes are run in away that (i) protects pedestrians from people riding on pavements and (ii) ensures safety guidelines are adhered to.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
As you will appreciate, the new Government is still in its early stages, and I am carefully considering next steps for the e-scooter trials and wider micromobility rental and what legislative changes may be required in future.
However, road safety is a top priority for this Government and any regulations will consider how to protect vulnerable road users and pedestrians, including the enforcement of any safety guidelines.
Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will review the re-opening of the Northampton to Market Harborough railway line.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government believes that local transport authorities and local leaders are best placed to prioritise and take forward transport projects which are most appropriate for the areas they serve, particularly where they will support economic growth, job creation, more and better housing, and, ultimately, demonstrate a good business case. I would encourage him to continue to engage with local stakeholders further on this.