Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to grant relief from the rules requiring vehicles registered overseas to be registered and taxed in the UK after a maximum period of six months for Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK in private vehicles; and, if they do not have such plans, whether they will extend the six month period for vehicle registration and taxation until the first to occur of (1) an application by Ukrainian refugees for permanent residence in the UK, or (2) three years after their arrival in the UK.

The Government is determined to ensure that Ukrainian arrivals encounter a warm reception in the UK, and the Department for Transport is presently engaging with DVLA colleagues to explore policy options, including possible options surrounding the vehicle registration fees for Ukrainian plated vehicles entering the UK.

My Department has also worked with the transport sector to provide wider assistance to those fleeing here from the conflict. Since mid-March 2022, all Ukrainians that enter the UK with the appropriate visa can travel on public transport from their port of entry to their end destination at no cost if travel occurs within 48 hours of arrival. This includes rail, bus and all Transport for London routes. To date, over 2,200 rail journeys have been made via the free onward travel offer, and many more on UK bus, coach and tram services. On the 20 June, this scheme was extended for a further six months.