Department for Transport

We work with our agencies and partners to support the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move.



Secretary of State

Heidi Alexander
Secretary of State for Transport

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Pidgeon (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Transport)

Scottish National Party
Graham Leadbitter (SNP - Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey)
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Transport)

Green Party
Siân Berry (Green - Brighton Pavilion)
Green Spokesperson (Transport)

Conservative
Richard Holden (Con - Basildon and Billericay)
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport

Liberal Democrat
Olly Glover (LD - Didcot and Wantage)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Transport)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Moylan (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Transport)
Jerome Mayhew (Con - Broadland and Fakenham)
Shadow Minister (Transport)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Greg Smith (Con - Mid Buckinghamshire)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Transport)
Ministers of State
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Simon Lightwood (LAB - Wakefield and Rothwell)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Keir Mather (Lab - Selby)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Lilian Greenwood (Lab - Nottingham South)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Monday 20th April 2026
Select Committee Inquiry
Thursday 29th January 2026
Road Safety Strategy

The Government has published a new Road Safety Strategy setting out the Government’s approach to reducing death and serious injury. …

Written Answers
Tuesday 21st April 2026
DfT Operator
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 30 March 2026 to Question 122220, what …
Secondary Legislation
Monday 20th April 2026
Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
These Regulations amend regulation 3 of the Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1444) (the “2020 …
Bills
Wednesday 5th November 2025
Railways Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision about railways and railway services; and for connected purposes.
Dept. Publications
Tuesday 21st April 2026
17:34

Department for Transport Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Mar. 26
Oral Questions
Nov. 05
Urgent Questions
Apr. 15
Westminster Hall
Apr. 14
Adjournment Debate
View All Department for Transport Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Department for Transport does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Introduced: 14th May 2025

A Bill to Make provision about sustainable aviation fuel.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 5th March 2026 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 17th December 2024

A bill to make provision about local and school bus services; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 27th October 2025 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 18th July 2024

A Bill to make provision for passenger railway services to be provided by public sector companies instead of by means of franchises.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 28th November 2024 and was enacted into law.

Department for Transport - Secondary Legislation

These Regulations amend regulation 3 of the Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1444) (the “2020 Regulations”). Under the 2020 Regulations, where a payment is made under a charging scheme that has been established by a relevant charging authority, and that payment is processed by the clean air zones central services provided by or on behalf of the Secretary of State (a “processed payment”), that relevant charging authority is liable to pay a fee to the Secretary of State. These Regulations increase the fee payable by the relevant charging authority from £2 to £4 per processed payment, from 1st September 2026. The amendments also extend the period during which charging authorities are liable to pay fees to the Secretary of State in respect of processed payments, to 31st March 2031.
This Order is made on the application of Associated British Ports (“A.B. Ports”).
View All Department for Transport Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
Petition Open
27,677 Signatures
(1,877 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
2,374 Signatures
(1,541 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
1,094 Signatures
(662 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
2,332 Signatures
(568 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
290 Signatures
(261 in the last 7 days)
Petitions with most signatures
Petition Open
27,677 Signatures
(1,877 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
6,511 Signatures
(170 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
4,505 Signatures
(88 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
3,054 Signatures
(41 in the last 7 days)
Petition Debates Contributed
101,204
Petition Closed
27 Jun 2025
closed 9 months, 3 weeks ago

We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60.

View All Department for Transport Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Transport Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Transport Committee
Ruth Cadbury Portrait
Ruth Cadbury (Labour - Brentford and Isleworth)
Transport Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Rebecca Smith Portrait
Rebecca Smith (Conservative - South West Devon)
Transport Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Katie Lam Portrait
Katie Lam (Conservative - Weald of Kent)
Transport Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Laurence Turner Portrait
Laurence Turner (Labour - Birmingham Northfield)
Transport Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Baggy Shanker Portrait
Baggy Shanker (Labour (Co-op) - Derby South)
Transport Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Alex Mayer Portrait
Alex Mayer (Labour - Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard)
Transport Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Olly Glover Portrait
Olly Glover (Liberal Democrat - Didcot and Wantage)
Transport Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Elsie Blundell Portrait
Elsie Blundell (Labour - Heywood and Middleton North)
Transport Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Scott Arthur Portrait
Scott Arthur (Labour - Edinburgh South West)
Transport Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Steff Aquarone Portrait
Steff Aquarone (Liberal Democrat - North Norfolk)
Transport Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Jacob Collier Portrait
Jacob Collier (Labour - Burton and Uttoxeter)
Transport Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Transport Committee: Upcoming Events
Transport Committee - Private Meeting
21 Apr 2026, 4 p.m.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Transport Committee - Oral evidence
Work of National Highways
22 Apr 2026, 9:15 a.m.
At 9:15am: Oral evidence
Gareth Rhys Williams - Chair at National Highways
Nick Joyce - Interim Chief Executive Officer at National Highways
Elliot Shaw - Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at National Highways
Nicola Bell - Chief Capital Delivery Officer at National Highways
Duncan Smith - Chief Operating Officer at National Highways

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Transport Committee - Private Meeting
28 Apr 2026, 4 p.m.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Transport Committee - Private Meeting
29 Apr 2026, 9:15 a.m.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Transport Committee: Previous Inquiries
Young and novice drivers Coronavirus: implications for transport e-scooters HS2: update NATS: failure in air traffic management systems Railway network disruption over Christmas Work of the Department for Transport 2010-15 The work of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Volkswagen Group emissions violations Operation Stack inquiry Vehicle type approval inquiry All lane running inquiry Surface transport to airports inquiry Road traffic law enforcement inquiry Road haulage sector: Skills and workforce planning inquiry Maritime Policy and Coastguard Modernisation inquiry The Department for Transport and rail policy Investing in the railway NATS inquiry Network Rail: update Strategic river crossings Motoring of the future Smaller airports Government motoring agencies - the user perspective Transport's winter resilience: Christmas 2013 Transport's winter resilience: rail flooding Security on the railway The cost of motor insurance: whiplash Airports Commission: Interim Report Draft National Policy Statement on National Networks Cycling safety: follow up High Speed Rail: follow up Offshore helicopter safety Access to ports Transport and the Olympics The work of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) Local authority parking enforcement Cost of motor insurance: whiplash Aviation Strategy Competition in the local bus market Access to transport for people with disabilities Low Carbon Vehicles Marine Pilotage Land Transport Security Road Freight Road Safety Rail 2020 Rail franchising Transport's winter resilience The Work of Network Rail Local decision making on transport spending Better roads Maritime strategy Safety at level crossings Drink & drug driving law Transport and the economy Cost of motor insurance Bus services after the Spending Review Licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles Effective road and traffic management Impact on transport of adverse weather conditions Sulphur emissions by ships Cable theft on the railway Work of the DVLA and DSA Draft Civil Aviation Bill Flight time limitations Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) reform Coastguard Service Regional breakdown of public transport expenditure Cancellation of the InterCity West Coast franchise competition Passenger transport in isolated communities Cancelled Rail electrification schemes inquiry Intercity East Coast rail franchise inquiry Traffic Commissioners inquiry Active travel inquiry Local roads funding and governance Pre-appointment hearing on ORR inquiry Rail timetable changes inquiry BMW vehicle recall inquiry Freight and Brexit inquiry Health of the bus market inquiry Network Rail priorities inquiry Taxi and private hire reform in England inquiry HS2: update with Allan Cook inquiry Pavement parking inquiry Road Safety inquiry Trains fit for the future? inquiry The work of Highways England inquiry Williams Rail Review inquiry Priorities of the new Secretary of State for Transport inquiry Departmental policy and performance: Update with the Secretary of State inquiry Railways: Update with the Rail Minister inquiry Road safety: young and novice drivers inquiry Road safety: mobile phones inquiry Community Transport inquiry Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) inquiry Policy priorities for the Department for Transport inquiry Aviation and Brexit inquiry Mobility as a Service inquiry Rail infrastructure investment inquiry National Drowning Prevention Strategy one-off session Transocean Winner incident and emergency towing vessels one-off session Maritime Growth Study inquiry Airspace management and modernisation inquiry Vauxhall vehicle fires one-off session Airports National Policy Statement inquiry Volkswagen emissions follow-up session Drones inquiry HS2: CH2M contract one-off session Rail compensation one-off session Rail franchising inquiry Rail technology: signalling and traffic management inquiry Improving the rail passenger experience inquiry Airport expansion in the South East inquiry Bus Services Bill inquiry Urban congestion inquiry Departmental priorities and annual report and accounts one-off session High Speed Two one-off session Rail safety inquiry Vauxhall Zafira B fires one-off session Trains fit for the future? Self-driving vehicles Accessible transport: legal obligations National Networks National Policy Statement Strategic road investment Our future transport Minimum service levels for rail Future of transport data Strategic transport objectives Buses connecting communities Managing the impact of street works Rail investment pipelines: ending boom and bust National Policy Statement for Ports Joined-up journeys: achieving and measuring transport integration Skills for transport manufacturing Licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles Railways Bill Supercharging the EV transition Road Safety Strategy Active travel Departmental policy and performance: Update with the Secretary of State Health of the bus market Local roads funding and governance Pavement parking Priorities of the new Secretary of State for Transport Railways: Update with the Rail Minister Road Safety Road safety: mobile phones Road safety: young and novice drivers Trains fit for the future? Williams Rail Review The work of Highways England

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government plans to introduce additional regulatory or statutory oversight to control air pollution on major public transport hubs, including the London Underground; and whether it intends to place specific statutory duties on bodies such as Transport for London to comply with the Air Quality Standards Regulations and the Environment Act 2021 in enclosed transport environments.

The Mayor of London and Transport for London are responsible for the management of air quality on the London Underground. However, the Government remains committed to improving air quality to deliver benefits for public health, the environment, and the economy. We are committed to cleaning up our air and protecting the public from the harms of pollution by tackling air pollution across the transport network. There are currently no plans to introduce additional regulatory or statutory requirements on major public transport hubs.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with (a) the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, (b) shipowner representatives and (c) port owners on compliance with the Seafarers Wages Regulations 2024 amongst operators of ro-ro ferries from UK ports.

The Department for Transport maintains regular and ongoing engagement with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) through the Regulatory Compliance Investigations Team regarding the implementation, compliance, and enforcement of legislation relating to seafarer pay. This covers the Seafarers’ Wages Act 2023, the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024, and the National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) (Amendment) Order 2020.This engagement has featured recent updates from the MCA to the Department on its enforcement approach and compliance activity undertaken so far, which have informed departmental oversight of how the legislation is being implemented across the sector, and how operators and harbour authorities are responding to their statutory responsibilities. The Department and the MCA also engage on enforcement activity covering seafarers working in UK territorial waters and, where applicable, on vessels operating between offshore oil and gas installations and UK ports. This ensures a consistent and effective enforcement framework across the relevant statutory regimes.

The Department for Business and Trade have recently published the Fair Work Agency Enforcement Policy Statement, confirming that it is responsible for enforcement of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) (Amendment) Order 2020.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussion she has had with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) (Amendment) Order 2020 for seafarers working (a) in UK territorial waters and (b) on vessels working between an offshore oil and gas installation and a UK port.

The Department for Transport maintains regular and ongoing engagement with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) through the Regulatory Compliance Investigations Team regarding the implementation, compliance, and enforcement of legislation relating to seafarer pay. This covers the Seafarers’ Wages Act 2023, the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024, and the National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) (Amendment) Order 2020.This engagement has featured recent updates from the MCA to the Department on its enforcement approach and compliance activity undertaken so far, which have informed departmental oversight of how the legislation is being implemented across the sector, and how operators and harbour authorities are responding to their statutory responsibilities. The Department and the MCA also engage on enforcement activity covering seafarers working in UK territorial waters and, where applicable, on vessels operating between offshore oil and gas installations and UK ports. This ensures a consistent and effective enforcement framework across the relevant statutory regimes.

The Department for Business and Trade have recently published the Fair Work Agency Enforcement Policy Statement, confirming that it is responsible for enforcement of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) (Amendment) Order 2020.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
16th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the monthly average waiting time was for a car practical driving test at each driving test centre and zone for a) March and b) April 2026.

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.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2026 to Question 122317 on Railways: North of England, what the timetable is for (a) completing and (b) publishing a long-term strategy for the York area.

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.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
16th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many reports of untaxed vehicles being parked on public roads in (a) Langley and (b) Slough were received by the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency in each of the last three years; and what proportion of those reports were followed up on.

The information requested is not readily available. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency officials will write to the honourable member when the information requested has been extracted and assured.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Annual Report 2022, what specific actions the Government is taking to help address the public health risks arising from exposure to air pollution on the London Underground.

Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). The Department has regular discussions with TfL on a range of issues, however, the management of air quality on the London Underground is a matter solely for them. I would suggest that you contact the Mayor and TfL directly regarding this issue.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with TfL on progress implementing the interventions identified as urgent in the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Annual Report 2022, including improvements to ventilation and filtration systems on the London Underground; and what assessment has been made of their effectiveness to date.

Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). The Department has regular discussions with TfL on a range of issues, however, the management of air quality on the London Underground is a matter solely for them. I would suggest that you contact the Mayor and TfL directly regarding this issue.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants’ recommendation in 2019 for a comprehensive toxicological study of particulate matter on the London Underground, what the current status of that study is.

Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). The Department has regular discussions with TfL on a range of issues, however, the management of air quality on the London Underground is a matter solely for them. I would suggest that you contact the Mayor and TfL directly regarding this issue.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with Transport for London on interim measures it is currently implementing on the London Underground to reduce passenger exposure, including that of children and clinically vulnerable groups, to particulate matter concentrations that substantially exceed ambient outdoor air levels.

Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). The Department has regular discussions with TfL on a range of issues, however, the management of air quality on the London Underground is a matter solely for them. I would suggest that you contact the Mayor and TfL directly regarding this issue.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 104693, what conclusions were reached at the meeting between National Highways, BWB Consulting and Kier on 17 December 2025 regarding temporary slip roads at M6 junction 38.

At the meeting, National Highways shared information on its proposed delivery approach and emerging design and construction methodology. BWB Consulting raised questions and outlined high‑level proposals.

National Highways committed to further engagement.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 30 March 2026 to Question 122891 on Driving Licences: Medical Records , what the timetable is for the (a) completion of updates to DVLA's online service (b) start of the operation of the new casework system.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 125013.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
26th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what was the purchase price for an individual of an a) Network Railcard, b) 16-17 Saver, c) 16-25 Railcard, d) 26-30 Railcard, e) Family & Friends Railcard, f)) Two Together Railcard, g) Senior Railcard, h) Disabled Persons Railcard and i) Veterans Railcard in each year of the last 10 years.

The table below contains the prices of these railcards for each of the last 10 years (or from their introduction if this is more recent). In addition, the final column shows what the cost would be now in 2025/26 if the price had been increased by RPI cumulatively since 2016/17:

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26

What the price would be in 25/26 if the price had been increased by cumulative RPI since 2016/17

Network Railcard

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£35

£45

16-17 Saver

N/A

N/A

N/A

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£35

£45

16-25 Railcard

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£35

£45

26-30 Railcard

N/A

N/A

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£35

£45

Family & Friends Railcard

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£35

£45

Two Together Railcard

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£35

£45

Senior Railcard

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£30

£35

£45

Disabled Persons Railcard

£20

£20

£20

£20

£20

£20

£20

£20

£20

£20

£30

Veterans Railcard

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

£21

£30

£30

£30

£30

£35

£45

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 14 April 2026 to Question 123864 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, if she will provide a breakdown of the funding allocated at (a) Autumn Budget 2024, (b) Spending Review 2025 and (c) Autumn Budget 2025 by (i) support for electric vehicle uptake and (ii) investment in charging infrastructure.

The funding breakdown is as follows:

Autumn Budget 2024: £120 million for zero emission vehicle uptake and £200 million for charging infrastructure.

Spending Review 2025: £1.4 billion for zero emission vehicle uptake and £400 million for charging infrastructure.

Autumn Budget 2025: £1.3 billion for zero emission vehicle uptake and £200 million for charging infrastructure.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 30 March 2026 to Question 122220 on DfT Operator, what was the cost to the public purse of establishing the new sponsorship model and team; how many staff are employed in that team; from which directorates those staff have been drawn; and what the team's annual budget is.

There has been no additional cost to the public purse in establishing the new DFTO sponsorship model and team. The team was formed by redeploying existing staff. This approach ensured that existing expertise and institutional knowledge were retained. Day‑to‑day engagement with DFTO on specific policy and delivery matters is led by relevant policy teams across the Department, which act as clients. This is brought together through a small central sponsorship team of three full‑time staff, which provides overall coordination and oversight.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with a) the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and b) members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the potential impact of jet fuel shortages on travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Government is monitoring the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel supplies, including jet fuel. In coordination with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero we have worked with fuel suppliers, airlines and airports to understand levels of jet fuel and pricing.

Officials are engaging regularly with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Executive and keeping Ministers briefed as necessary.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with her European counterparts on the potential impact of jet fuel shortages on travel between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.

The Government is monitoring the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel supplies, including jet fuel. In coordination with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero we have worked with fuel suppliers, airlines and airports to understand levels of jet fuel and pricing.

Officials are engaging with international counterparts to monitor the situation and plan accordingly and are keeping Ministers briefed as necessary.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of Heathrow Airport's debt.

As a private company, Heathrow Airport's financing decisions are a matter for the airport. Since this is a private sector project, it is up to the potential promoters to develop and finance expansion proposals, and to demonstrate that any scheme is financially viable.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the economic and environmental review of Heathrow expansion has been completed.

The economic and environmental review of Heathrow expansion is ongoing. We intend to consult on a revised Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which will include the proposed outcomes of the review, in summer this year. The review will not be complete until the final ANPS (post-consultation) is laid in Parliament, which we intend to do by the end of the year.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the potential planning costs for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow.

The Government recognises the importance of making sure that any scheme for Heathrow expansion is both deliverable and affordable. It is for potential promoters to develop plans for expansion as part of their Development Consent Order application. As the independent economic regulator for expansion, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will determine the recovery of costs incurred by potential promoters of expansion.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2026 to Question 122888, whether her Department has set a timetable for the further work required to develop plans for a North–South line between Birmingham and Manchester.

The Northern Growth Strategy set out the Government’s intention to ultimately deliver a full North-South new line between Birmingham and Manchester. Further work will be carried out in collaboration with local partners on what will be delivered and when, but we expect the delivery timelines for this line to follow the completion of HS2 and NPR.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
16th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what timetable Network Rail has set for the clearance of construction and maintenance waste from lineside land across the rail network.

When work is being undertaken, how any waste will be removed is part of Network Rail’s plan for the works and, in general, waste is removed at the end of works. At times, material will be left lineside for forthcoming works in the same area.

On occasion, it may be difficult for Network Rail to remove material at the end of works due to availability of appropriate equipment, for example a specific recovery train may be needed. Depending on the location, it may be more cost effective to leave materials lineside for some time until the required logistics can be planned. There is no specific timeframe for this, but Network Rail is aware there is value in all its materials either via reuse internally, for onward sale, or recycling, so materials will not be left lineside if cost efficient recovery is feasible. Network Rail’s track materials currently have a reuse rate of almost 80% with 19.9% recycled and less than 1% sent for recovery (generally contaminated material).

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of seafarers in the UK’s short sea international ferry sector that are paid an hourly wage that is (a) broadly equivalent to or (b) above the National Minimum Wage.

The Department has not made any such estimate. The Seafarers' Wages Act 2023 makes payment of the equivalent of National Minimum Wage a condition of port access for operators of services calling at a UK port at least 120 times a year. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is responsible for enforcement of this legislation and conducts in-person engagement and robust inspection activities with ports and operators to ensure compliance and provide regulatory assurance.

Whilst the Department cannot give exact figures, an impact assessment was published for the Act, which makes some assumptions about the number of seafarers on board different vessel types per journey in order to estimate costs to businesses, but it does not make any estimates of the total number of seafarers that would be paid the National Minimum Wage equivalent (see https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62e2aa8ed3bf7f75af0923d5/seafarers-wages-impact-assessment.pdf ).

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of Heathrow Airport's debt on her policies on a third runway at Heathrow.

As a private company, Heathrow Airport's financing decisions are a matter for the airport. Since this is a private sector project, it is up to the potential promoters to develop and finance expansion proposals, and to demonstrate that any scheme is financially viable.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to determine the (a) process and (b) timings for identifying future Access for All projects.

Funding for future rounds of the AfA programme will be considered as part of the next Spending Review. The process for identifying future projects has not yet been finalised, but we are committed to reforming the programme as we move towards the establishment of Great British Railways, ensuring it continues to deliver maximum benefit for passengers and communities

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of trends in the amount of money used for accessibility improvements at railway stations from Section 106 agreements.

Since the Access for All (AfA) programme launched in 2006, there has been a steady increase of third party contributions from local sources, including from Section 106 agreements.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry: 2025 statistics published on 25 February 2025, what steps she is taking to increase the number of UK resident seafarer Ratings employed in the UK shipping industry.

The Department remains committed to increasing the number of UK resident seafarer ratings. Work includes implementing the recommendations from the Ratings Review, modernising training and considering the findings of the recently published SMarT Review and Seafarer Projections Report.

The increased numbers of seafarers active at sea noted in the Seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry: 2025 statistics has been driven primarily by growth among Ratings and Uncertificated Officers. Officials will continue to review where there are opportunities to grow ratings careers.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, With reference to the Seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry: 2025 statistics published on 25th February 2025, what assessment she has made of the sources of growth in seafarer employment in the UK shipping industry in 2024-25.

The Department remains committed to increasing the number of UK resident seafarer ratings. Work includes implementing the recommendations from the Ratings Review, modernising training and considering the findings of the recently published SMarT Review and Seafarer Projections Report.

The increased numbers of seafarers active at sea noted in the Seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry: 2025 statistics has been driven primarily by growth among Ratings and Uncertificated Officers. Officials will continue to review where there are opportunities to grow ratings careers.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has had discussions with Northern Rail and Avanti West Coast on the potential merits of (i) simpler and (ii) cheaper train tickets in (a) Stockport and (b) Greater Manchester.

This Government remains committed to making ticketing simpler and more flexible for passengers. Passengers in Stockport and Greater Manchester are benefiting from simpler fares which were introduced in December 2025. Overall, the change means that the average fare in Greater Manchester fell by 5.6%.

Working with operators, Pay As You Go with contactless on rail in Manchester will arrive in December this year as part of the Bee Network expansion, initially covering 17 stations.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2025 to Question 70519 on Public Inquiries, what has been the total cost to the public purse to date of the Cranston inquiry.

The Cranston Inquiry’s annual and quarterly financial reports are available on the Inquiry website. A final financial report will be published in due course.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, What her policy is on the use of vessels registered on Flags of Convenience by contractors delivering the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Civil Hydrography Programme.

The MCA’s UK CHP Survey Specification details the Civil Hydrography Programme (CHP)-specific requirements for conducting hydrographic surveys undertaken on behalf of the MCA, in order to deliver UK requirements and services. The Survey Specification is used in conjunction with the relevant Hydrographic Instruction in order to fully detail the requirement of the survey(s).

All vessels employed under the current CHP contracts are UK Flagged, and on the ‘White List’, a list of countries assessed by the International Maritime Organisation as properly implementing the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978 (as amended) Convention.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of Transport Focus’s document entitled Your Bus Journey 2025, published on 25 March 2026.

The Government is committed to improving local bus services for passengers and the Department for Transport welcomes the valuable insight provided by Transport Focus's 'Your Bus Journey' report, published on 25 March 2026. We were encouraged to see overall bus passenger satisfaction rising to 85%, and the report’s findings will continue to help inform the Department’s work to drive better bus services across the country.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will provide an update on the progress of the consultation into the Safety at Street Works and Road; Works Code of Practice, which was last updated in July 2013.

The Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice is currently being revised. Work on the updated Code of Practice is at an advanced stage and is undergoing legal review. Subject to the conclusion of that review, the Department for Transport expects to consult publicly on the draft updated Code later this year. We expect to publish the finalised Code in 2027.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the updated Safety at Street Works and Road; Works Code of Practice will be published.

The Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice is currently being revised. Work on the updated Code of Practice is at an advanced stage and is undergoing legal review. Subject to the conclusion of that review, the Department for Transport expects to consult publicly on the draft updated Code later this year. We expect to publish the finalised Code in 2027.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to reduce the number of (a) reduce the vehicles that are blocking pavements and (b) unroadworthy vehicles parked for long periods of time in public areas.

Through measures in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill we will implement the necessary primary legislation to allow local transport authorities to prohibit pavement parking across their areas, putting power in the hands of local leaders. Even in locations where a pavement parking prohibition does not exist, virtually all local authorities (those with designated civil parking enforcement powers) will be granted the power to tackle the worst instances of pavement parking (unnecessary obstruction), through secondary legislation introduced later this year.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 gives local authorities the power to remove certain abandoned vehicles without notice. The legislation on abandoned vehicles falls within the remit of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her Department’s policies on (a) electric vehicle uptake, (b) automotive production, and (c) transport affordability for lower-income households of the French social leasing scheme.

The Department regularly engages with French counterparts on policy, including support for zero emission vehicles, and is carefully reviewing the recent (10 April) announcement of the third iteration of the French Government’s Social Leasing scheme.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help reduce the upfront costs of EVs.

The Government is reducing the upfront costs of zero emission vehicles by providing grants for zero emission cars, vans, trucks, and wheelchair accessible vehicles; this includes the £2 billion Electric Car Grant, which has already helped over 90,000 drivers to choose an electric vehicle.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has to mandate disclosure of battery health at the point of sale for used electric vehicles.

Some organisations already provide their own battery health checks or guarantees to increase consumer confidence.

We will continue to engage industry on this topic, including through the consultation on updating the minimum emission standards for new road vehicles to Euro 7, launched on 13 April 2026. This includes proposals to require manufacturers to fit new EVs with accurate, accessible and comparable battery health monitors.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to support the haulage industry with increases in fuel prices.

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.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what comparative assessment she has made of the depreciation rates of (a) electric and (b) petrol and diesel vehicles.

The Government is aware that, despite strong growth of the used Electric Vehicle (EV) market, the residual values of some EVs have depreciated more quickly than their internal combustion engine equivalents. The used EV market is still maturing, with developments in EV technology and increasingly affordable new models putting downward pressure on used EV prices.

We are actively supporting industry-led working groups focused on the used EV market. We will continue to work with industry on this.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 14 April 2026 to Question 124238 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, how many applicants have successfully received funding under the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking; and what the total value is of funding awarded under that scheme.

As of 1 January 2026, the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking grant has funded 39 sockets with a grant value of £13,531. The grant funds the installation of charge points at residential properties with on-street parking if they are also installing a cross-pavement solution. This grant is in addition to the £25 million Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant for local authorities.

The Government has consulted on measures to reduce planning permission requirements for cross-pavement solutions, further supporting households with on-street parking, and will be responding in due course.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
16th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to support the freight sector with increased fuel costs.

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.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the cost to the public purse was of her Department's acquisition of Class 365 units in 2019.

The cost of the purchase of the Class 365s in 2019 was £123.6M which was set out in the 2020 accounts of Train Fleet (2019) (“TF19”) available through Companies House (see principal activities and note 7 fixed assets).

This purchase price has been substantially recovered which can be seen through the subsequent published accounts of TF19 with only £9M remaining in the March 2025 accounts.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2026 to Question 122319, what performance metrics the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency uses to assess the effectiveness of recruitment campaigns for driving examiners; and what the outcomes were for each campaign in terms of (a) applications received, (b) candidates progressing to interview and (c) appointments made.

On 31 March 2026, the Driver and Vehicle Service Agency (DVSA) had 1,604 full-time equivalent driving examiners (DE), the highest number since 2018 and 188 more DEs than on 30 April 2025.

The table below shows the number of total completed applications DVSA received, the number of applicants invited to interview, the number of applicants invited to the driving assessment stage, applicants recruited and placed on a training course and how many applicants successfully passed training for the 10 recruitment campaigns in each of the three financial years to date:

Campaign date

Total completed applications received

No of applicants invited to interview stage

No of applicants invited to driving assessment stage after a successful interview

No of applicants recruited and placed on a training course

No of applicants that successfully passed a training course

May-23

655

432
[note 1]

432
[note 1]

79

62

Sep-23

1,168

718

152

53

40

Feb-24

2,629

1,578

273

79

62

Jun-24

1,816

1,207

501

175

125

Sep-24

2,248

1,460

479

[note 3]

[note 3]

Mar-25

3,865

2,388

361

[note 3]

[note 3]

Jul-25

1,182

602

267

[note 3]

[note 3]

Sep-25

2,676

1,658

380

[note 3]

[note 3]

Dec-25

3,409

1,014

504

[note 3]

[note 2] [note 3]

Feb-26

1,141

777

388

Ongoing campaign still at selection stage therefore no applicants yet recruited and placed on a training course

[note 1] - No of applicants invited to interview and driving assessment are the same as this was an assessment centre.

[note 2] - 26 applicants booked to a future training course. No applicants from this campaign have yet passed training.

[note 3] – DVSA continue to recruit from merit lists for these live recruitment campaigns. The final numbers for the recruitment campaigns shown are therefore not yet known.

For all Civil Service roles, after starting an application, an applicant must complete initial forms with their personal details and to confirm such details as to their right to work in the UK. For a DE role, there are further questions to assess eligibility for the role, including the age of the applicant, and whether they hold a driving licence. If an applicant meets the necessary eligibility requirements, they are then asked to complete a full application form for DVSA to sift and progress to interview if successful.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the potential impact of the M6 junction 38 closures on (a) local businesses, (b) tourism and (c) employment in Cumbria.

The M6 Lune Gorge bridge works are being undertaken to avoid future emergency interventions, such as unplanned closures or restrictions, which would have greater adverse impacts on local businesses, tourism and employment in Cumbria. These works will maintain the M6 as a safe and dependable corridor for freight, commerce and local communities for years to come.

National Highways has undertaken over 60 engagement sessions since 2023 to understand the local impact. National Highways is planning the works to minimise impact as far as possible and will continue to engage with local stakeholders to seek further mitigations where feasible.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the total duration in hours was of (a) partial and (b) full closures as a result of the M6 Lune Gorge project.

Between 1 September 2025 and 14 April 2026, all recorded closures associated with preparatory works were partial closures only, affecting a single northbound or southbound carriageway, or lane closures. There were 18 overnight carriageway closures, each operating within a standard nine hour window (8pm – 5am), giving up to 162 hours of partial closures. In addition, lane closures from January 2026 total up to 270 hours. There were no full closures affecting both directions simultaneously during this period.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the M6 Lune Gorge works on (a) freight movements and (b) connectivity between England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

For most of the M6 Lune Gorge works, traffic, including freight, will continue to use the M6 via a contraflow arrangement, which has been assessed as providing sufficient capacity to avoid significant delays. National Highways does not anticipate significant changes to freight movements as a result.

A limited number of overnight and weekend full closures of the M6 will be required for safety reasons. For full closures between junction 38 and 39, traffic will use a fully signed diversion route via Junction 36 and the A6, A591 and A590, as agreed with relevant local highway authorities. This approach is intended to maintain connectivity between England, Scotland and Northern Ireland throughout the works.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 January 2026 to Question 104661, what estimate National Highways has made of the cost of constructing temporary slip roads at M6 junction 38.

National Highways is currently assessing the latest proposals for temporary slip roads at M6 Junction 38 and will feedback on this in due course.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Apr 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to use intelligent speed assistance for repeat speeders.

The Government keeps the motoring offences framework under review but does not currently have any plans to introduce intelligent speed assistance for those convicted of speeding offences.

We do, however, want to ensure that the motoring offences framework is fit for purpose and that is why, as part of our road our new Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026, we are consulting on changes to the motoring offences.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)