Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 11 February (HL4960), what is the reason for the delay between the close of the consultation on hydrogen-powered off-road construction vehicles, and the development of an amendment to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

In light of the responses received during the consultation process, a decision was made to adapt the approach to hydrogen safety in the proposed amendment for both Non-Road Mobile Machinery and agricultural equipment. Since the consultation closed, the department has taken the time to liaise closely with manufacturers and other regulators to work through the detail.

In addition, policy development of the amendment was paused over the general election period in line with government practice. This legislation is due to be laid in April 2025.