Department for Transport

Motability Operations, which delivers the Motability Scheme, has the largest fleet in the country and has an important role in ensuring an equitable transition to zero emission vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) are available through the Motability Scheme, with over 105,000 EVs on the Scheme and over 99,000 charge points installed to date:  https://www.mo.co.uk/our-impact/.

Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London on a variety of issues including accessibility of their network. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor, and TfL is responsible for managing the London Underground.

Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London on a variety of issues including accessibility of their network. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor, and TfL is responsible for managing the London Underground.

Between January and October 2025, the Government’s Electric Vehicle Charge Point Grant (EVCG) supported the installation of 7,981 residential charge point sockets across the UK. This figure includes installations delivered across all eligible residential categories under the scheme, based on the latest data published up to 1 October 2025 at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electric-vehicle-charging-device-grant-scheme-statistics-october-2025.

The total grant expenditure associated with these installations over the same period was £3,706,049, according to the published administrative records. As with all EV grant statistics, the figures remain provisional due to processing times and potential undercounting of the most recent months.

We expect the uplift in amounts for applicable residential properties and the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road to increase applications to the grant.

The decision taken in March 2024 to defer the start of construction on the A12 widening scheme was made by Ministers.

Prior to this decision, the publicly committed start date for construction was 2023/24 but a new start date was being planned.

The Government recognises the importance of accessibility for emerging technologies and works closely with the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee and experts from leading accessibility organisations, such as the Motability Foundation, on policy development.

To support electric vehicle accessibility, electric wheelchair accessible vehicles can receive a grant of up to £2,500 and attract the largest bonus credit in the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. Government also works closely with industry on accessible charge point designs.

Automated Vehicles have the potential to improve accessible transport options for older and disabled people. Government consulted on the statutory accessibility reporting requirement for Automated Passenger Services (APS) permits and is establishing the Accessibility Advisory Panel to help guide reporting and best practice for the accessibility of new services as they emerge.

Government is also reviewing the legal framework for powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, which has remained largely unchanged for nearly 40 years.

No such estimate has been made as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) would only become aware of a potentially inaccurate address when informed by customers. Driving licence holders are legally responsible for notifying the DVLA of a change of address or inaccuracy in the details on their licence.

The Department does not hold information on the number of prosecutions of driving licence holders for failing to notify of a change of address as such prosecutions are a matter for the police.

It is an offence to provide false or misleading information and the DVLA’s operational fraud team monitors driving licence records for evidence of fraud and acts on intelligence received from the police and other sources. This includes investigating possible anomalies in the use of addresses provided.

No such estimate has been made as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) would only become aware of a potentially inaccurate address when informed by customers. Driving licence holders are legally responsible for notifying the DVLA of a change of address or inaccuracy in the details on their licence.

The Department does not hold information on the number of prosecutions of driving licence holders for failing to notify of a change of address as such prosecutions are a matter for the police.

It is an offence to provide false or misleading information and the DVLA’s operational fraud team monitors driving licence records for evidence of fraud and acts on intelligence received from the police and other sources. This includes investigating possible anomalies in the use of addresses provided.

The government is committed to improving passenger transport services, so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity, including in the East of England.

Our Bus Services Act 2025 includes a comprehensive package of measures to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of local transport. Through the Act, we are helping authorities to provide safer and more accessible bus stations and stops; mandating more streamlined disability training for bus drivers and frontline staff and requiring local authorities to regularly review the accessibility of their bus networks through the development and publishing of a Bus Network Accessibility Plan.

We are committed to improving the experience for disabled passengers on rail services and that is why we published the Department’s roadmap to an accessible railway. It sets out what we are doing now to improve the day-to-day travelling experience for disabled passengers in the lead up to Great British Railways being established. The Railways Bill will also establish a Passenger Watchdog to protect the rights of disabled passengers by monitoring service delivery, investigating persistent issues, setting minimum standards and advocating for improvements. We are also continuing to install accessible routes at stations through our Access for All programme.

We are also committed to developing an Accessible Travel Charter. The Charter is a commitment to a shared vision for accessible travel. It will set out what disabled travellers can expect from their journeys, share best practice across organisations and create consistency in end-to-end journeys for disabled travellers.

The Department for Transport was invited by the Office for National Statistics, via the Government Statistical Service harmonisation champions network, to respond to a consultation regarding possible changes to the standard for ethnicity categories.

Through the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, Government has already provided £120 million of funding to kickstart the deployment of zero emission HGV infrastructure. This is funding 73 planned infrastructure locations, representing over 360 chargers. The Government is further supporting the installation of charging equipment at depots through the £30 million Depot Charging Scheme.

We will set out further detail in a zero emission HGV and Coach Infrastructure Strategy in due course.

The Department does not name individual members of staff. Such updates are always quality assured, which involves checks from various analysts who are not directly involved in the work. The Department’s quality assurance processes are fully aligned with the Government’s AQuA Book (the quality assurance guidance), but I have asked my officials to strengthen our practices further.

The grant boost announced on the 25 February is not part of the £25 million EV Pavement Channel Grant announced in 2025.

The EV Pavement Channel Grant is providing funding to local authorities in England for the installation of pavement channels during 2025/26.

The Government recognises that it is essential that everyone using our roads is kept safe, including pedestrians. On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.

Local authorities are responsible for managing their roads, and have statutory duties placed on them to ensure safe movement for all road users, including pedestrians. The Department for Transport provides good practice guidance to support them in this on the design of the street environment and on the provision of zebra crossings. The Department has long advocated street design that puts consideration of the needs of people walking first, through the Manual for Streets.

Cycling on pavements, including the use of e-cycles, is already an offence and is enforceable by the police. E‑scooters are not legal for use on pavements or roads except as part of Government‑approved rental trials, where operators must promote responsible use.

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

My officials work closely with Business and Trade officials, including through the work of the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel.

The table below sets out the number of employees recruited from January 2024 and the change to net employee headcount per quarter for DFT Operator Limited (DFTO). The increases in headcount are as a result of the progressive public ownership programme managed by DFTO. The increase in staff costs are being offset by the savings in fees that would otherwise be payable to the former private sector owners.

The Government provides a range of funding streams and national guidance to support local authorities in improving road safety around schools, including measures such as pedestrian crossings, traffic‑calming, speed management and School Streets schemes.

We have confirmed £7.3 billion of capital funding for local highway maintenance across England between 2026–27 and 2029–30, allocated to local authorities to maintain and improve their road networks. This includes the road infrastructure around schools.

The Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF) may be used to deliver safety improvements around schools as part of wider walking and cycling programmes. In the latest CATF allocation round, Suffolk County Council received £2,784,685, which can be used for schemes in any part of the county, including within the Suffolk Coastal constituency.

Local authorities are responsible for identifying risks around schools and selecting appropriate interventions, drawing on national guidance. This includes:

• Setting Local Speed Limits, which advises on implementing permanent or time‑limited 20 mph limits outside schools and is being updated as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.

• Chapter 6 of the Traffic Signs Manual, which provides guidance on the design and use of pedestrian crossings.

• Local Transport Note 1/07, which sets out advice on traffic‑calming measures.

• Guidance from the Department for Transport and Active Travel England on establishing and managing School Streets schemes, which restrict vehicle access near schools at peak times.

It is for local authorities to determine what measures are appropriate in individual cases as they have the local knowledge and it is right that they focus on the areas of highest risk, which may be where tragic collisions have occurred - but there is nothing to stop them implementing road safety measures elsewhere. The Government expects local authorities to work with local schools, parents, and communities to address concerns about road safety in their local area.

The Government provides a range of funding streams and national guidance to support local authorities in improving road safety around schools, including measures such as pedestrian crossings, traffic‑calming, speed management and School Streets schemes.

We have confirmed £7.3 billion of capital funding for local highway maintenance across England between 2026–27 and 2029–30, allocated to local authorities to maintain and improve their road networks. This includes the road infrastructure around schools.

The Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF) may be used to deliver safety improvements around schools as part of wider walking and cycling programmes. In the latest CATF allocation round, Suffolk County Council received £2,784,685, which can be used for schemes in any part of the county, including within the Suffolk Coastal constituency.

Local authorities are responsible for identifying risks around schools and selecting appropriate interventions, drawing on national guidance. This includes:

• Setting Local Speed Limits, which advises on implementing permanent or time‑limited 20 mph limits outside schools and is being updated as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.

• Chapter 6 of the Traffic Signs Manual, which provides guidance on the design and use of pedestrian crossings.

• Local Transport Note 1/07, which sets out advice on traffic‑calming measures.

• Guidance from the Department for Transport and Active Travel England on establishing and managing School Streets schemes, which restrict vehicle access near schools at peak times.

It is for local authorities to determine what measures are appropriate in individual cases as they have the local knowledge and it is right that they focus on the areas of highest risk, which may be where tragic collisions have occurred - but there is nothing to stop them implementing road safety measures elsewhere. The Government expects local authorities to work with local schools, parents, and communities to address concerns about road safety in their local area.

The Government provides a range of funding streams and national guidance to support local authorities in improving road safety around schools, including measures such as pedestrian crossings, traffic‑calming, speed management and School Streets schemes.

We have confirmed £7.3 billion of capital funding for local highway maintenance across England between 2026–27 and 2029–30, allocated to local authorities to maintain and improve their road networks. This includes the road infrastructure around schools.

The Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF) may be used to deliver safety improvements around schools as part of wider walking and cycling programmes. In the latest CATF allocation round, Suffolk County Council received £2,784,685, which can be used for schemes in any part of the county, including within the Suffolk Coastal constituency.

Local authorities are responsible for identifying risks around schools and selecting appropriate interventions, drawing on national guidance. This includes:

• Setting Local Speed Limits, which advises on implementing permanent or time‑limited 20 mph limits outside schools and is being updated as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.

• Chapter 6 of the Traffic Signs Manual, which provides guidance on the design and use of pedestrian crossings.

• Local Transport Note 1/07, which sets out advice on traffic‑calming measures.

• Guidance from the Department for Transport and Active Travel England on establishing and managing School Streets schemes, which restrict vehicle access near schools at peak times.

It is for local authorities to determine what measures are appropriate in individual cases as they have the local knowledge and it is right that they focus on the areas of highest risk, which may be where tragic collisions have occurred - but there is nothing to stop them implementing road safety measures elsewhere. The Government expects local authorities to work with local schools, parents, and communities to address concerns about road safety in their local area.

National Highways has approximately 143 miles of wire rope safety barrier on its network. For context, the total length of Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) on National Highways’ network is approximately 6462 miles, of which wire rope safety barrier is one type. National Highways does not hold the data on when all wire rope safety barriers were installed.

Department for Transport Ministers have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience, and associated public communications.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Department for Transport is actively supporting this work.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 11 February 2026, to Question UIN 108285.

We have procured external experts to help inform our understanding of the links between air connectivity and the economy, and to undertake an Appraisal of Sustainability, Habitats Regulations Assessment, Health Impact Analysis and Equalities Impact Assessment to consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of Heathrow expansion.

We are engaging with a range of external stakeholders to discuss the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) review process and understand their views, as per the published Statement of Approach on Engagement. We have also requested technical information from Heathrow Airport Limited, as a potential promoter of the scheme informing the ANPS review, and as current airport operator, to inform the ANPS review, which has been published here.

The Aviation Night Noise Effects and Aviation Noise Attitudes studies are currently being completed and are expected to be ready for publication before the review of the Airports National Policy Statement is concluded.

Improving road safety is one of my Department’s highest priorities. Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users. That is why on 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all.

Following updates to the Highway Code in 2022, the department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes.

Via the THINK! campaign, we are also running year-round radio filler adverts encouraging compliance with the guidance to improve safety for those walking, cycling and horse riding.

The Department has assessed public understanding of the 2022 Highway Code changes through survey research which tracks levels of awareness and self‑reported understanding and compliance over time.

• The percentage of road users reporting to know either a little or a lot about the changes increased from 36% in January 2022 to over 50% in August 2022 and up to 70% in September 2023, with 86% of road users having heard of the changes by that time.

• Understanding of pedestrian priority at junctions increased from 52% to 72%, and cyclists riding 2 abreast rising from 30% to 46%.

• Following the second phase of the campaign in summer 2023, 81% of drivers claimed to leave a gap of 1.5M when passing a cyclist all or most of the time. 79% of drivers claimed to pass horse riders and horse drawn vehicles with at least 2M distance and at under 10mph all or most of the time.

• Of the respondents that recognised the campaign advert, nine in ten said they had taken action as a result.

• More recent figures show a sustained increase in those saying it is unacceptable to not leave enough space for cyclists and horse riders, from 60% in March 2024 to 68% in April 2025.

However, as set out in the strategy, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course.

As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety.

Although failure to comply with the advisory rules of the Highway Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, contraventions of these rules may be used as evidence in court to establish liability for a road traffic offence. Advisory rules include those which begin ‘should/should not’ and ‘do/do not’.

Statutory guidance on the provision and design of floating bus stops was published on 26 January under section 31 of the Bus Services Act 2025, which was cleared across government in the usual way.

Ahead of publishing the guidance on floating bus stops, in line with the Public Sector Equality Duty, I had due regard to impacts on people with protected characteristics, particularly disabled people, in making decisions regarding the guidance. This was supported by engagement with organisations representing disabled people and input from the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, the statutory advisory body on disability transport issues, and a statutory consultee for this guidance under the Bus Services Act 2025.

Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 place a statutory duty on local highway authorities to maintain public highways, based upon their local knowledge and circumstances.

The Department is aware of the challenges associated with peat soil. The Department is undertaking a comprehensive review of the highways maintenance guidance it provides to local highway authorities in the Well Managed Highways Infrastructure Code of Practice, which will incorporate and signpost best practice guidance for treating soil affected roads. This will be completed at the end of 2026.

To support local highway authorities in the maintenance of their highway networks, the Government has confirmed a record investment of £7.3 billion for local highways maintenance over the next four years. This record investment builds on the investment of £1.6 billion this financial year, a £500 million increase compared to the previous financial year.

Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 place a statutory duty on local highway authorities to maintain public highways, based upon their local knowledge and circumstances.

The Department is aware of the challenges associated with peat soil. The Department is undertaking a comprehensive review of the highways maintenance guidance it provides to local highway authorities in the Well Managed Highways Infrastructure Code of Practice, which will incorporate and signpost best practice guidance for treating soil affected roads. This will be completed at the end of 2026.

To support local highway authorities in the maintenance of their highway networks, the Government has confirmed a record investment of £7.3 billion for local highways maintenance over the next four years. This record investment builds on the investment of £1.6 billion this financial year, a £500 million increase compared to the previous financial year.

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 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.

We continue to monitor the impact of the guidance issued in June 2025 by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), aimed at improving coordination, transparency, and efficiency for both law enforcement and the transport industry. NPCC have set a review date for the document of 1 May 2027.

We are working with industry, including the Heavy Transport Association and agencies, such as National Highways, to ensure the appropriate balance between efficient movement of abnormal loads, whilst ensuring road safety and minimised disruption to other road users.

The Department keeps the objectives and operation of all its local transport funding streams under regular review to ensure they support decarbonisation, growth and improved passenger outcomes. Our wider zero emission bus policy is designed to stimulate demand across the UK, with bus operators and local transport authorities transitioning fleets and creating opportunities for domestic manufacturers.

Data on screening test results in England and Wales, including the concentrations of alcohol detected in drivers’ breath in roadside breath tests, are published in table RAS2042. The table has not been updated for 2023, so the latest data currently available are for 2022.

The table is available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/reported-road-accidents-vehicles-and-casualties-tables-for-great-britain#ras20

The Home Office publishes annual statistics on roadside breath tests for alcohol in England and Wales in its Police powers and procedures: Roads policing release.

A strong framework already applies to utilities, contractors and highway authorities, including national reinstatement standards, permit schemes, and performance‑based inspections introduced in 2023, which ensure poor performers face more frequent inspections and associated charges. Recent regulations, in force from January 2026, further strengthen enforcement by increasing penalties for overruns and improving compliance. We will continue to keep the regime under review.