Department for Transport

In February 2025, we announced the decision to close the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant, which closed at the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Ending the £500 Plug-in Motorcycle Grant is not expected to have a significant impact on uptake of zero emission motorcycles or on riders.

The Government, working with industry, will monitor the development of the zero emission motorcycle market and the need for any further interventions on an ongoing basis.

The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) set minimum accessibility requirements for buses and coaches, designed to carry over twenty-two passengers and used on local or scheduled services. They support millions of disabled people, including young people and children, to make the journeys important in their lives.

PSVAR have applied to certain home-to-school (HTS) services for 25 years. In response to widespread non-compliance in the sector, including HTS services where spare capacity is sold, the government issued exemptions to enable these essential services to continue operating whilst operators procured compliant coaches. The current Medium-Term Exemptions (MTE) for HTS and rail replacement coach services expire on 31st July.

In 2023 the previous Government began a review of PSVAR, including inviting feedback from local authority commissioners, providers and users of transport services, through a Call for Evidence, with a view to understanding the extent to which the Regulations remained appropriate and continued to serve disabled passengers. We continue to work with partners to understand the best way forward and we will announce our proposed next steps on PSVAR, including a decision on the future of the MTE scheme and its implications for HTS services, soon.

The Government has supported the UK bus manufacturing industry through the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel, which ran from March 2025 to March 2026.

Long-term funding for local transport authorities, including through the £15.6 billion Transport for City Regions funding, will enable LTAs to purchase zero emission buses (ZEBs) for their areas and support wider investment.

The zero emission bus order pipeline was published in March 2026 and provides greater planning certainty to the sector as they develop future decarbonisation strategies.

At the final meeting of the Expert Panel, Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) agreed to a minimum 10% social value weighting in future bus procurements. This will help to enable UK-based manufacturers to plan and invest with confidence, taking full advantage of the opportunities ahead.

The Department for Transport recognises growing concerns around rising fuel and transport costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The Department fully recognises the need to maintain the continuity of critical supply chains and is actively monitoring any potential impacts. The Department continues to work and meet regularly with industry, including representatives of the cold chain industry, to understand the pressures and options to mitigate any risks.

The Department for Transport recognises growing concerns around rising fuel and transport costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The Department fully recognises the need to maintain the continuity of critical supply chains and is actively monitoring any potential impacts. The Department continues to work and meet regularly with industry, including representatives of the cold chain industry, to understand the pressures and options to mitigate any risks.

The Department for Transport recognises growing concerns around rising fuel and transport costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The Department fully recognises the need to maintain the continuity of critical supply chains and is actively monitoring any potential impacts. The Department continues to work and meet regularly with industry, including representatives of the cold chain industry, to understand the pressures and options to mitigate any risks.

The decision was taken at the Spending Review to pause the project until a long-term strategy for the route can be developed further. The scheme will remain under review to ensure it can be delivered in the most effective way as part of a holistic strategy of investment.

The Department works with DFT Operator to ensure all operators have the appropriate resource to deliver timetabled services robustly, including train drivers. All train operating companies have been asked to complete a 7-point traincrew resourcing proposal as part of their annual business plan. These plans cover staffing levels, recruitment, training, overtime and planning efficiency to improve reliability, including revising target establishment levels to support effective workforce planning. When we assessed train operating companies’ levels of driver resource in 2024 we found shortages and excessive reliance on rest day working.

The Department is also taking forward several measures to help the rail industry recruit new train drivers into the industry, including lowering the minimum age to be a train driver from 20 to 18 and working with Skills England and the rail industry to strengthen pathways for school leavers into train driving. This includes updating the Train Driving Level 3 Apprenticeship and developing a Rail Foundation Apprenticeship to be offered from the age of 16.

Between 2016 and grant closure, the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant supported over 15,500 zero emission vehicles.

Ending the £500 per vehicle Plug-in Motorcycle Grant is not expected to have a significant impact on uptake of zero emission motorcycles or on riders. The Government, working with industry, will continue to monitor the development of the zero emission motorcycle market and the need for any further interventions on an ongoing basis.

The Government continues to focus available funding to the areas where it can have the greatest impact.

Between 2016 and grant closure, the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant supported over 15,500 zero emission vehicles.

Ending the £500 per vehicle Plug-in Motorcycle Grant is not expected to have a significant impact on uptake of zero emission motorcycles or on riders. The Government, working with industry, will continue to monitor the development of the zero emission motorcycle market and the need for any further interventions on an ongoing basis.

The Government continues to focus available funding to the areas where it can have the greatest impact.

The government is taking forward the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill to deliver the Northern Powerhouse Rail route into Manchester via Manchester Airport. We have not reversed the previous government’s decision to cancel HS2 Phase 2 and will adapt the bill to deliver only the section of route necessary for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

In light of lessons from HS2, we are carefully developing detailed plans for delivery. However, from our work to date, we expect major construction works for the Liverpool to Manchester section of the route to commence in the mid-2030s and continue into the 2040s.

The Department for Transport does not hold this information. The 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory, including for visa-free travel for short-term visits. As such, it is not UK Government policy.

The Department for Transport is undertaking research to improve understanding of the effects of the 90/180 limit on the international operations of GB-based HGV and coach businesses that hold standard international operator licences. The data is currently being processed, and the study’s findings will be published in due course.

The Department for Transport does not hold this information. The 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory, including for visa-free travel for short-term visits. As such, it is not UK Government policy.

The Department for Transport is undertaking research to improve understanding of the effects of the 90/180 limit on the international operations of GB-based HGV and coach businesses that hold standard international operator licences. The data is currently being processed, and the study’s findings will be published in due course.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully implemented across all Schengen countries on 10 April 2026, and the UK Government continues to engage the European Commission and member states to seek prioritisation of fluidity at the border.

Additionally, my department has taken on a central role in engagement and preparedness with the transport sector. This includes the juxtaposed portals (Port of Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar) where EES checks will take place on UK soil, as well as the aviation industry, non-juxtaposed ferries, cruises and hauliers.

HMG has carried out modelling work to assess the possible impacts of EES implementation at the juxtaposed portals and consequential impacts upon the road network throughout Kent. This analysis has been used by the sector and local authorities to implement new processes and mitigations which has significantly reduced the risks of excess delays at the border and impacts to supply chains.

The Government continues to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by the 90/180 rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad. The UK Government is also making every effort to engage with the EU as it rolls out its implementation of Exit and Entry System (EES).

However, the 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory, including for visa-free travel for

short-term visits. As such, it is not UK Government policy. Any amendments and exemptions to these rules are the responsibility of the EU and Member States.

The Department for Transport is undertaking research to improve understanding of the effects of the 90/180 limit on the international operations of GB-based HGV and coach businesses that hold standard international operator licences. The data is currently being processed, and the study’s findings will be published in due course.

Background Note – Further factual information (this may be put into the public domain)

Schengen immigration rules are the EU’s condition for entry. Amendments and exemptions to these rules are the responsibility of the EU and Member States.

We continue to encourage road haulage and coach operators to take the necessary steps to ensure their UK national drivers who work internationally remain within the limit.

When the EU began its phased implementation of EES from 12 October 2025, it introduced new digital checks which automatically calculate the number of days a non-EU national has spent within the Schengen area.

Since 10 April the EU’s EES should now be fully implemented across all member states, however there are flexibilities available that allow for the suspension of biometric checks.

DfT officials have raised the 90/180 limit as an issue at previous meetings of the UK-EU Specialised Committee for Road Transport, noting that it further restricts the market access arrangements we agreed with the EU in the Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

In its recent Visa Strategy the EU has acknowledged the difficulties the 90/180 limit poses for some third country professionals, including hauliers, and proposes to work with Member states to identify pragmatic solutions. The EU Visa Strategy can be found here: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f873d151-f079-424b-9575-bece4113447c_en?filename=EU%20Visa%20Policy%20Strategy.pdf

The Government continues to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by the 90/180 rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad. The UK Government is also making every effort to engage with the EU as it rolls out its implementation of Exit and Entry System (EES).

However, the 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory, including for visa-free travel for

short-term visits. As such, it is not UK Government policy. Any amendments and exemptions to these rules are the responsibility of the EU and Member States.

The Department for Transport is undertaking research to improve understanding of the effects of the 90/180 limit on the international operations of GB-based HGV and coach businesses that hold standard international operator licences. The data is currently being processed, and the study’s findings will be published in due course.

Background Note – Further factual information (this may be put into the public domain)

Schengen immigration rules are the EU’s condition for entry. Amendments and exemptions to these rules are the responsibility of the EU and Member States.

We continue to encourage road haulage and coach operators to take the necessary steps to ensure their UK national drivers who work internationally remain within the limit.

When the EU began its phased implementation of EES from 12 October 2025, it introduced new digital checks which automatically calculate the number of days a non-EU national has spent within the Schengen area.

Since 10 April the EU’s EES should now be fully implemented across all member states, however there are flexibilities available that allow for the suspension of biometric checks.

DfT officials have raised the 90/180 limit as an issue at previous meetings of the UK-EU Specialised Committee for Road Transport, noting that it further restricts the market access arrangements we agreed with the EU in the Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

In its recent Visa Strategy the EU has acknowledged the difficulties the 90/180 limit poses for some third country professionals, including hauliers, and proposes to work with Member states to identify pragmatic solutions. The EU Visa Strategy can be found here: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f873d151-f079-424b-9575-bece4113447c_en?filename=EU%20Visa%20Policy%20Strategy.pdf

The British Transport Police’s budget is set by the British Transport Police Authority, who are the executive non-departmental public body that oversees the Force and is their employer. They have already agreed a budget settlement with the Force up to 2028/29, increasing by 15% from £418.5m in 2025/26 to £481.5m in 2028/29.

We anticipate that the level of funding following this will similarly balance the needs of the industry and the force against public sector affordability.

Along the East West Rail route, from 5^th April 2025 - 4^th April 2026 there have been 2257 train movements. This includes 4 stream trains and 60 diesel passenger trains. 2193 other non-passenger or testing services have taken place, including freight trains.

The HGV Road User Levy Act 2013 specifies that the levy is paid into the Consolidated Fund. This revenue is then available for general public expenditure, which includes transport investment.

The Secretary of State established the Rail Engagement Group in October 2025, and since then it has held three meetings.

It is the responsibility of the individual aircraft operator, in accordance with their operational requirements and based upon the certified performance data, to ensure that the aircraft meet the international aircraft performance standards.

ASSI has undertaken specific aircraft performance calculations for the DHC-6 Twin Otter, associated with engine-out take-off performance (accelerate stop distance), using approved aircraft manufacturers performance data, to review third party operations from John A. Osborne Airport, Montserrat.

The HGV Road User Levy raised £204m in 2019-20 and £163m in 2024-25. It raised no revenue in 2022-23 as the levy was suspended for a period due to the pressures faced by the haulage industry caused by the Covid pandemic.

The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

The £2.50 fee for the release of vehicle keeper data is currently being reviewed. If there are any changes made to the fee as a result of that review, these will be communicated at the appropriate time.

The Government is providing a £3 million Bus Franchising Support Fund in 2026/27 for Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) in the process of developing and implementing bus franchising schemes, which is designed to aid transition. This fund is only available for those MSAs who have already started the journey to franchising services.

In addition, the Government is also providing an ongoing package of support to local authorities that are actively seeking to transition to a franchised network. This includes funding for authorities wishing to pursue franchising; which will fund a pre-feasibility study or franchising assessment. Applications for this fund have now closed for 2026/27, however it will open again for 2027/28 and 2028/29. The authorities who will make up Greater Essex Combined Authority may wish a to apply this fund in future years.

The Statutory Instrument is being drafted and will be laid before Parliament by the end of the year.

The Department expects to consider underlying geology, as one of the many conditions that affect the wear and tear of local roads, as part of its review of the funding formula it uses to distribution highways maintenance funding to local highway authorities.

The Government is providing two funding streams to support authorities who wish to franchise their bus services. The first is a £3 million Bus Franchising Support Fund in 2026/27 for Mayoral Strategic Authorities that have commenced the statutory franchising process, to support their transition to franchised bus services. The second is a fund of approximately £10 million per year until 2029 for a franchising support package for local authorities that are actively seeking to transition to a franchised network. Both funds provide revenue funding only.

South Yorkshire Combined Authority, North East Combined Authority, Transport for West Midlands, Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have each been allocated £500,000 of the £3 million fund. The Department is currently in the process of assessing expression of interest application forms from local authorities for the £10 million Franchise Support Fund.

The Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023 (AIR) require the provision of audible and visible route and location information on board most local bus and coach services in Great Britain. Local services subject to the Regulations must comply with them by October 2026, and we expect operators to ensure this happens on time.

The government understands and recognises the specific challenges to comply with AIR within the rail replacement sector. We continue to work with partners, including the Rail Delivery Group, DfT Operator Limited and bus and coach trade bodies, to assess the sector’s readiness for full compliance across the whole rail network, and to provide support to help them achieve this. This includes the development of new technological solutions for providing information on board coaches, funding for smaller operators, alongside the existing time-limited exemption from the technical requirements of AIR, which is due to end on 31 July 2026. The exemption was put in place to ensure that rail passengers could still complete their journeys whilst rail replacement operators equip their fleets to comply with the Regulations.

All steel procurements overseen by the Department are done so in full alignment and following the principles as set out in the Steel PPN 022. In addition to existing best practice policies, from the 1 September 2025 this required the Department to:

• Consult UK Steel’s Digital Catalogue prior to design and procurement decisions being made. Include a contract clause which extends this obligation to Tier 1 contractors and their subcontractors (where relevant).
• Consider if the national security exemption in paragraph 25 of Schedule 2 to the Procurement Act 2023 is relevant to the procurement and apply as appropriate.

These additional policy measures are designed to increase the amount of UK Steel used in procurement contracts.

The Government knows the importance of reliable bus services in enabling people to stay connected and access education, work and vital services, particularly in rural areas where buses may be the only form of public transport. We are committed to delivering better bus services and the Bus Services Act 2025 puts passenger needs, reliable services and local accountability at the heart of local bus services by putting the power back in the hands of local leaders right across England.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in bus services long-term in the Spending Review, confirming over £3 billion from 2026/27 to support local leaders and bus operators across the country to improve bus services for millions of passengers. This includes multi-year allocations for local authorities under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) totalling nearly £700 million per year, ending the short-term approach to bus funding and giving councils the certainty they need to plan ahead to improve services for local communities.

The formula used to calculate LABG allocations for 2026/27 onwards includes consideration of the rurality of local areas for the first time, acknowledging the challenges of running services in rural areas, in addition to population size, levels of deprivation, and the extent of existing bus services. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include expanding current bus provision.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence. There are no delays in successful online applications and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days.

In the interests of road safety, the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a licence is issued. Some medical cases take longer because the DVLA often needs information from third parties, including doctors or other healthcare professionals, before it can make a licensing decision.

The DVLA has seen sustained growth in the volume and complexity of medical licence applications, increasing waiting times for some customers. To improve its services, the DVLA has introduced a new casework system and launched a new medical services portal so the majority of customers can now apply online through the DVLA’s driver and vehicle account.

These enhancements alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with these applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements in services and turnaround times for customers.

National Highways has completed construction of 151 additional emergency areas across the all lane running (ALR) smart motorway network through the National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme. National Highways is evaluating the effectiveness of these additional emergency areas, including impacts on live-lane stops, safety outcomes and road-user perceptions. Initial findings are expected in 2026, with a full three-year evaluation concluding in 2028.

No guidance has been issued on this matter. An ‘operating base’ is not defined in law. All guidance is kept under review and the need for any amendments or additions considered. The Department consulted on revised best practice guidance in 2022 and it was subsequently updated in 2023.

The licensing regime in England is archaic, fragmented and inconsistent. We are considering, holistically, how the regulation of taxis and private hire vehicles could be reformed to achieve the best overall outcome for passengers by enabling the sector to deliver the range of safe, available, affordable and accessible services they need.

Current traffic management proposals for the M6 Lune Gorge project are being designed to keep traffic on the M6 motorway for the majority of the project. A contraflow system is planned on the M6 to provide a safe working area for construction, while maintaining sufficient lane capacity to avoid significant disruption to drivers.

There will need to be a limited number of full closures of the M6 overnight and at weekends. During these closures, traffic will be diverted onto the local road network using the A6, A591 and A590. This diversion route has been agreed with the relevant local highway authorities as the most suitable option.

National Highways’ current proposals for traffic management arrangements at Junction 38 would keep the junction partially open with traffic diverted via the M6 to the next junction and then back. National Highways is still considering options proposed by stakeholders, including temporary slip roads at junction 38 and other traffic mitigations.

National Highways does not intend to use the A685 as a diversion route. The decision to defer Lawtland House Bridge works, which the A685 runs over, was made to provide additional connectivity to the local community during the Lune Gorge project.

National Highways’ current traffic management proposals would keep Junction 38 of M6 partially open, apart from a limited number of full weekend and overnight closures. For the majority of the works, slip road closures would be phased, with traffic diverted via the M6 to the next junction and then back. While disruptive, they would be required to carry out the bridge replacement works safely. National Highways is still considering options proposed by stakeholders, including temporary slip roads at junction 38, and other traffic mitigations.

Traffic impacts on diversion routes are being assessed through live surveys with Westmorland and Furness Unitary Authority.

National Highways has undertaken over 60 engagement sessions since 2023 to understand the impact on the local community and businesses. As the project progresses towards construction in Spring 2027, the construction methodology and traffic management plans will be finalised. This work will determine what mitigation measures are both necessary and feasible to deliver the scheme safely.

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for our independent courts.

This includes whether to disqualify an offender from driving and, where appropriate, the length of any disqualification.

The courts already have powers to impose lifetime disqualification where that is justified.

Separately, under the “totting up” provisions, where a driver has accumulated 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period, the court must ordinarily order disqualification for at least the statutory minimum unless there are grounds to reduce or avoid that disqualification.

The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) has regular meetings with the National Police Chiefs Council, Association for Ambulance Chief Executives and the National Fire Chiefs Council alongside frontline officers. This work aims to support the development of processes and protocols to ensure emergency services interacting with automated vehicles are able to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Any impact on local bus or hospital access routes would be a consideration during an application for an Automated Passenger Service (APS) permit and assessed on a case-by-case basis by the local traffic authority.

Overall policy responsibility for litter sits with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which has recently published an updated Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse. The Department for Transport supports local authorities and National Highways in tackling litter through a range of existing frameworks and initiatives, including activity focused on encouraging positive behaviour change and the effective use of enforcement powers.

The Government has no plans to establish a targeted national relief scheme specifically for disruption arising from roadworks. Local authorities are responsible for managing and mitigating the impacts of roadworks in their areas.

The Government’s focus is on minimising disruption through stronger coordination, enforcement, and tools such as permit schemes and lane rental.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement of 15 January 2026, schemes were prioritised for Access for All funding, considering a range of factors including passenger benefit, geographic spread, the level of scheme development and the availability of third-party contributions. This applied to the decision that Wivelsfield station will not progress at this time. However, it remains eligible for consideration in future phases of the programme.

The Rail Minister recently met with the Hon Member for Mid Sussex to discuss his decision regarding Wivelsfield station. He encouraged her to work with the rail industry and local partners on lower cost accessibility interventions and alternative funding sources.

I would encourage the Hon. Member to work with Lewes District Council and Southern to explore accessibility improvements at Wivelsfield in the meantime.

The Department for Transport recognises growing concerns around rising fuel and transport costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The Department fully recognises the need to maintain the continuity of critical supply chains and is actively monitoring any potential impacts. The Department will continue to work with industry to understand the pressures and options to mitigate any risks.

The HGV Road User Levy Act 2013 specifies that the levy is paid into the Consolidated Fund. This revenue is then available for general public expenditure, which includes transport investment.