Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many accidents involving the police have involved e-bikes in the last five years.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The information requested is not held by the Department.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will publish the (a) schedule for e-scooter trials and (b) data obtained from those trials.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
There are currently 17 e-scooter trials running in England and they are currently due to run until May 2026. Guidance for the trials, including the requirements for users, operators and local authorities are published on gov.uk.
Published findings from the first national evaluation of the e-scooter trials included trip data and e-scooter deployment numbers (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-evaluation-of-e-scooter-trials-report).
A second evaluation of the e-scooter trials is due to start in Spring 2025. The evaluation will gather new evidence and build on findings from the first evaluation including: the journeys e-scooters are replacing; how they integrate with public transport; their safety for users and for others; and the accessibility impacts of e-scooters.
The findings from this evaluation, including trip data, will be published once the second evaluation has concluded.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many e-bike riders were held responsible in an accident involving an e-bike in each of the last five years.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The information requested is not held by the Department.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the proportion of farmland that will be used to produce alternative aviation fuels in (a) 2030, (b) 2040 and (c) 2050.
Answered by Mike Kane
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate introduced in January 2025 sets targets for the future supply of low carbon alternatives to fossil fuels used in aviation. The scheme only supports SAF made from sustainable wastes or residues (such as used cooking oil or forestry residues), recycled carbon fuels (e.g. unrecyclable plastics), or be power to liquid fuels made using low carbon (renewable or nuclear) electricity. Given these feedstocks do not require land there is no impact on farmland.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the Institute of the Motor Industry's survey entitled EV TechSafe Technician Forecasts - Jan 2024.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Government is committed to working with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to ensure mechanics across the UK are equipped with the skills needed to safely repair electric vehicles (EVs). Currently over 58,000 technicians, 24% of the workforce, are qualified to work on EVs. This aligns with the 2.8% of licensed vehicles on UK roads that are zero emission.
By endorsing the IMI TechSafe Standards, the Government aims to strengthen trust within the industry and among consumers, supporting the transition to electric vehicles and fostering the development of a highly skilled workforce.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring cyclists and motorcyclists to wear high visibility attire after dark.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The safety of vulnerable road users is a priority for the Government. Cyclists and motorcyclists should make every effort to ensure that they can be clearly seen by other road users, both for their own safety and for that of others. Rule 59 of The Highway Code recommends that people who cycle should wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing to help other road users to see them in daylight and poor light, with reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark. Rules 86 and 87 of The Highway Code provide similar guidance on visibility for motorcyclists riding in daylight and at night.
Any change to these rules would need to be carefully considered to ensure that it was proportionate and enforceable, and that it did not have unintended consequences such as putting people off cycling. The Government has no current plans to mandate the wearing of high visibility clothing for cyclists or motorcyclists.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had recent discussions with the (a) Secretary of State for Business and Trade and (b) Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations on the potential merits of negotiating a mutual recognition of professional qualification agreement with the European Commission for the aviation sector.
Answered by Mike Kane
The Government has been clear that the UK’s trading relationship with the EU can be improved in several areas. The Department continues to engage with the European Union (EU) Commission on areas where future cooperation or recognition could support UK interests. Any further details will be provided in due course, as engagement progresses.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her Department's policy is on the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport.
Answered by Mike Kane
This Government is committed to securing the long-term future of the aviation sector in the UK and recognises the benefits of the connectivity it creates between the UK and the rest of the world.
We have been clear that any expansion proposals at Heathrow Airport would need to demonstrate that they contribute to country-wide economic growth, are compatible with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental standards on air quality and noise pollution.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to improve rail services.
Answered by Huw Merriman
We are delivering a simpler and better railway. In advance of legislation to establish Great British Railways, we have reorganised the Department of Transport with the creation of an integrated Rail Services Group. This group brings together most of the Passenger Services Group and the Rail Infrastructure Group. This single team, focussed on the day-to-day operational performance of the railway, will pave the way to an integrated rail body.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made an estimate of the potential cost savings arising from the proposed closure of Network Rail ticket offices.
Answered by Huw Merriman
This is an industry-led process. The outcomes of the consultations will not be known until the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement process has been concluded.