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
Paul Kohler (LD - Wimbledon)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Transport)

Conservative
Gareth Bacon (Con - Orpington)
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport

Liberal Democrat
Baroness Pidgeon (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords 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)
Ministers of State
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Lilian Greenwood (Lab - Nottingham South)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Mike Kane (Lab - Wythenshawe and Sale East)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Simon Lightwood (LAB - Wakefield and Rothwell)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Wednesday 26th March 2025
Select Committee Inquiry
Tuesday 17th December 2024
Rail investment pipelines: ending boom and bust

The Transport Committee is examining investment pipelines for the railway.

This inquiry will examine how a planned, steady pipeline …

Written Answers
Wednesday 26th March 2025
Ports and Shipping: Carbon Emissions
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help the (a) ports and …
Secondary Legislation
Friday 21st March 2025
Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These Regulations amend the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/278) (the “Principal Regulations”).
Bills
Tuesday 17th December 2024
Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [HL] 2024-26
A bill to make provision about local and school bus services; and for connected purposes.

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
Feb. 13
Oral Questions
Nov. 05
Urgent Questions
Mar. 25
Written Statements
Mar. 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: 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 the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/278) (the “Principal Regulations”).
These Regulations amend the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2864) (“the 1999 Regulations”) to make provision for changes to the cancellation notice periods for category B (car) practical driving tests (regulation 7). These Regulations also correct minor drafting errors made by the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/1154), which had themselves amended the 1999 Regulations. The corrections make no substantive changes to the 1999 Regulations.
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).

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Petitions with most signatures
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50,368 Signatures
(2,164 in the last 7 days)
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16,183 Signatures
(1,234 in the last 7 days)
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7,908 Signatures
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Department for Transport has not participated in any petition debates
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
Catherine Atkinson Portrait
Catherine Atkinson (Labour - Derby 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
Transport Committee: Upcoming Events
Transport Committee - Private Meeting
1 Apr 2025, 4 p.m.
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Transport Committee - Private Meeting
2 Apr 2025, 9:15 a.m.
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Transport Committee - Oral evidence
Heathrow Airport power outage
2 Apr 2025, 9:15 a.m.
At 9:15am: Oral evidence
Thomas Woldbye - Chief Executive at Heathrow Airport Ltd
Alice Delahunty - President, UK Electricity Transmission at National Grid
Nigel Wicking - Chief Executive at Heathrow Airline Operators' Committee Limited

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 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

21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help the (a) ports and (b) shipping industries (a) cut emissions and (b) transition to clean fuels.

We have recently published our Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy that sets out our plans to decarbonise the domestic maritime sector. This Strategy includes a package of policy and regulatory measures across both the port and shipping industries. Reducing emissions builds on the increased efficiency of operators, combined with a transition to cleaner zero, and near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels and energy sources, and this Strategy considers the role of these fuels, and how we will support their uptake.

All policies laid out in the Strategy will be developed further and will be subject to formal consultation before implementation.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress she has made on developing a port strategy.

The Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy sets out Government’s plans for decarbonising the domestic maritime sector, including goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and policies to support this. The Maritime Strategy will be published later this year. It will focus on our four priorities of people, growth, environment and safety. Ports have a crucial role to play across all of these.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help tackle delays caused by (a) tolls and (b) traffic to emergency service vehicles on the Tamar (i) bridge and (ii) ferries.

This Government acknowledges that the Tamar Crossings are an important local issue. Toll management is a matter for local determination through the Tamar Joint Committee and we recognise the benefits of the recently formed Tamar 2050 Programme Stakeholder Panel which will help oversee key decisions.

It is, of course, essential that emergency vehicles are able to travel swiftly to deal with urgent incidents. The Joint Committee maintains a very close working relationship with the emergency services. Although it is not possible to offer a dedicated emergency route on the bridge, this close level of engagement helps to ensure that emergency vehicles can cross as quickly as possible.

Ferry crews are given clear guidance when managing access for emergency vehicles and their subsequent departure.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
20th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help promote the uptake of hydrogen powered cars.

Government policy on the transition to zero emissions is technology neutral. The ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicles) Mandate credits hydrogen fuel cell cars and vans as fully zero emission. ZEVs benefit from favourable tax rates compared to the most polluting vehicles, such as the lowest first year rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) at £10. Company Car Tax rates continue to support the uptake of ZEVs, with preferential rates currently at 2%, rising to 3% in April 2025. 100% First Year Allowances (FYA) have also been extended into financial year 2025/26 for qualifying expenditure on zero emission cars.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
20th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on the number of vehicular accidents involving drivers who have not disclosed age-related health conditions on their driving license renewals in each of the last five years.

This information is not held by the Department for Transport.

The Department’s data on road injury collisions is based on information reported to the police via the STATS19 data collection system. STATS19 does not capture information on the health conditions of those involved in collisions.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many infrastructure contracts awarded by her Department have included mandatory collective bargaining clauses since 5 July 2024.

There are no infrastructure contracts awarded by the Department since 5 July 2024 that have included mandatory collective bargaining clauses.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average waiting time for driving tests is in Birmingham, Edgbaston constituency.

The table below shows the average waiting time for driving test centres that serve customers living in the Edgbaston constituency, as of the 17 March 2025.

Driving test centre

Average waiting time as of the 17 March 2025 (in weeks).

Birmingham (Kings Heath)

24

Birmingham (South Yardley)

24

Birmingham (Shirley)

24

Birmingham (Garretts Green)

24

Birmingham (Kingstanding)

24

The current national average for driving tests as of February 2025 is 21.3 weeks.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
20th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Under 17 Car Club on the geographical scope of the Pathfinder Initiative; and whether she has plans to hold such discussions.

The Secretary of State for Transport has not had any discussions with the Under 17 Car Club but the Government welcomes initiatives to help young people drive safely.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
20th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department has taken to reduce congestion at the meeting of the A322 with the M3 Junction 3 in Surrey Heath constituency.

National Highways undertook an early-stage study of the M3 junction 3 in 2023. As well as a long-term large-scale enhancement to address both congestion and incidents, it is considering smaller, tactical solutions that can be delivered in the short-term. It is commencing a feasibility study on small-scale improvements, working closely with Surrey County Council who are responsible for the A322. This work will form the evidence base for potential future enhancements to be delivered during RIS3, beyond 2026.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
12th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of additional runway capacity at (1) Heathrow Airport and (2) Gatwick Airport on regional economic inequalities between the North West and the South East of England.

The Government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once proposals have been received, the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement, which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow. The Government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding commitments on carbon and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.

On 27 February the Secretary of State has said she is ‘minded to approve’ the expansion of Gatwick Airport. Gatwick Airport is now asked to respond to the Secretary of State on the matters raised by 24 April 2025. The Secretary of State will make her final decision on or before 27 October. As this is a live planning application and the Secretary of State has a quasi-judicial role in this process we therefore cannot comment on it further.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
13th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, following their decision to refuse permission for the building of the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange, what plans they have to increase the volume of freight carried by rail.

The Government continues to support modal shift from road to rail through the Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme, which we have extended to at least 31 March 2026. As stated in our consultation document on proposals to reform our railways, there will be a statutory duty on Great British Railways to promote the use of rail freight, alongside a growth target set by the Secretary of State. We will also include safeguards to ensure that freight operators continue to receive fair access to the network. Both Government and Great British Railways will work with the rail freight industry on further actions to support growth.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the oral contribution by the Minister for the Future of Roads in the debate on Road Safety: Young Drivers on 28 January 2025, Official Report, column 49WH, which interventions examined by the Driver2020 research project will be taken forward.

As work progresses on the new road safety strategy, we are considering measures, including those in the Driver2020 project, and assessing their potential impacts to tackle the root causes of young driver collisions without unfairly penalising young drivers.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the oral contribution by the Minister for the Future of Roads in the debate on Road Safety: Young Drivers on 28 January 2025, Official Report, column 49WH, whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of international evidence on (a) lower or zero alcohol limits and (b) minimum learning periods for young drivers.

As work progresses on the new road safety strategy, we are considering measures, including those in the Driver2020 project, and assessing their potential impacts to tackle the root causes of young driver collisions without unfairly penalising young drivers.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport on 28 January 2025 in the debate on Road Safety: Young Drivers, Official Report, Column 49-51WH, what steps she is taking to support local-level interventions to make roads safer.

As work progresses on the new road safety strategy, we are considering measures, including those in the Driver2020 project, and assessing their potential impacts to tackle the root causes of young driver collisions without unfairly penalising young drivers.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of planned housing developments in Bedfordshire on Thameslink services.

Any assessment on the impacts of housing developments on public transport is a matter for local partners through development of their local plans.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport on 28 January 2025 in the debate on Road Safety: Young Drivers, Official Report, Column 49-51WH, which (a) channels, (b) content providers and (c) mechanisms other than LADBible her Department is using to increase awareness of the THINK! campaign among young drivers.

The Government's flagship road safety campaign, THINK!, aims to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

THINK! plays an important role in raising awareness of risky driving behaviours amongst young people. This has recently included campaigns on drink-driving and speeding on rural roads, two of the leading factors in fatal collisions and areas where young male drivers are overrepresented in the casualty data.

THINK! campaigns target digital channels and platforms that are frequently used by young people. This includes paid advertising on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit and being amongst the first campaigns to trial advertising on TikTok as part of a Government pilot), digital audio (including podcasts, digital radio and music streaming apps such as Spotify), online video (for example on Youtube, Twitch and via digital display advertising), and working with popular online influencers in collaboration with LADbible. THINK! also uses traditional channels, such as broadcast radio, cinema and out-of-home advertising, to target environments and situations that are contextually relevant to young drivers (i.e. around or during an actual car journey).

THINK! frequently uses interactive and innovative approaches to drive up ad engagement with young men. Recent examples include an interactive Snapchat lens for a drink drive campaign, a ‘perception test’ game to illustrate the dangers of speeding, and a gamified quiz to highlight the facts on seatbelt usage.

The THINK! campaign partnered with alcohol brands, including Heineken and Eisberg, to launch the THINK! 0% platform in December 2024, reaching young drivers at the point-of-sale in pubs and bars and encouraging them to choose a non-alcoholic alternative if driving.

Throughout the year, the THINK! campaign engages with local stakeholders and partners, including road safety officers, local councils and police forces to promote road safety and support further education on the subject of dangerous driving.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the (a) safety and (b) accessibility of road networks in Mid Leicestershire constituency.

Local government is the main delivery agent of road safety. The responsibility to implement, fund, deliver, promote and enforce local road safety initiatives remains with the local authorities under the 1988 Road Traffic Act. They will decide what measures may be appropriate to “take steps both to reduce and prevent accidents” and they are also responsible for the management of local roads, within the rules set by Government, including setting local speed limits where the national limit would not be appropriate.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress she has made on her planned port strategy; and what plans she has for future funding of port infrastructure.

My Department is not currently planning on publishing a ports strategy, however, on 25th March we published the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy and we are continuing to develop a Maritime Strategy. Both address the Department’s priorities for the ports sector.

The Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy sets out Government’s plans for decarbonising the domestic maritime sector, including goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and policies to support this. The Maritime Strategy will be published later this year. It will focus on our four priorities of people, growth, environment and safety. Ports have a crucial role to play across all of these.

The Department is engaging with colleagues at the National Wealth Fund given Ports are a priority area for NWF investment.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, If she will assess the (a) economic and (b) road safety impact of delaying the (i) implementation and (ii) construction of the A12 widening scheme.

It was announced in the Autumn Budget that Phase 2 of the Spending Review will conclude in late spring 2025. Until this time, it is not possible to assess the full impact of the extremely challenging financial inheritance this Government received on the A12 widening scheme and in turn its impact on (a) the economy and (b) road safety.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate on plastic pellet pollution.

Plastic pollution, suspected to be from the original collision of the SOLONG, was discovered on Sunday 16th March. The MCA and local authorities have begun retrieval through deployment of personnel on beaches, vessels and surveillance aircraft. There is a slight risk to marine and bird life from ingesting this pollution. There is no evidence of further pollution from the collision and the area remains under regular surveillance.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
11th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government how many policy reviews and consultations the Department for Transport has launched since the General Election on 4 July 2024; what the subject of each review is; and what the anticipated timescales are for their completion.

The Department keeps all of its policies under review, to ensure they are aligned to the Government’s priorities and delivering the best possible outcomes for the public.

It is standard practice for any new administration to review the policies of its predecessors.

Where appropriate, we publish details of our reviews on gov.uk. This includes information on the independent reviews, public consultations and taskforces that have been launched, completed and published between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her Department plans to publish an update on the work of the Motor Insurance Taskforce.

The cross-Government motor insurance taskforce was launched in October. It is comprised of ministers from relevant government departments and the Financial Conduct Authority and Competition and Markets Authority. The taskforce is supported by a separate stakeholder panel of industry experts representing the insurance, motor, and consumer sector.

The taskforce has a strategic remit to set the direction for UK Government policy, identifying short- and long-term actions for departments that may contribute to stabilising or reducing premiums, while maintaining appropriate levels of cover. It will look at the increased insurance costs on consumers and the insurance industry, including how this impacts different demographics, geographies, and communities.

The Department will provide updates on the motor insurance taskforce’s work and announce a date for the next meeting in due course.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has set a timetable for future meetings of the Motor Insurance Taskforce.

The cross-Government motor insurance taskforce was launched in October. It is comprised of ministers from relevant government departments and the Financial Conduct Authority and Competition and Markets Authority. The taskforce is supported by a separate stakeholder panel of industry experts representing the insurance, motor, and consumer sector.

The taskforce has a strategic remit to set the direction for UK Government policy, identifying short- and long-term actions for departments that may contribute to stabilising or reducing premiums, while maintaining appropriate levels of cover. It will look at the increased insurance costs on consumers and the insurance industry, including how this impacts different demographics, geographies, and communities.

The Department will provide updates on the motor insurance taskforce’s work and announce a date for the next meeting in due course.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Motor Insurance Taskforce is taking to help reduce the cost of motor insurance.

The cross-Government motor insurance taskforce was launched in October. It is comprised of ministers from relevant government departments and the Financial Conduct Authority and Competition and Markets Authority. The taskforce is supported by a separate stakeholder panel of industry experts representing the insurance, motor, and consumer sector.

The taskforce has a strategic remit to set the direction for UK Government policy, identifying short- and long-term actions for departments that may contribute to stabilising or reducing premiums, while maintaining appropriate levels of cover. It will look at the increased insurance costs on consumers and the insurance industry, including how this impacts different demographics, geographies, and communities.

The Department will provide updates on the motor insurance taskforce’s work and announce a date for the next meeting in due course.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
12th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to allow rail tickets issued by one operator to be accepted by a different operator on the same route; and whether arrangements to achieve this will be introduced in time for the next East Coast Mainline timetable.

We are committed to simplifying the over complicated fares and ticketing system. Under our plans to bring train operators into a publicly owned Great British Railways, we will be taking a fresh look at single operator fares, so that we can create a simpler fares and ticketing system for passengers.

On the East Coast Main Line, London North-Eastern Railway (LNER) have ensured that its advance and 70-minute flex tickets are accepted by other relevant train operators, to allow passengers to complete their journeys.

As announced in December by the Department for Transport Operator, LNER, Northern and TransPennine Trains will allow customers to travel on each other’s services at no extra cost during any short-notice and on-the-day disruptions.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of Gatwick Airport expansion on the (a) capacity and (b) reliability of the rail network serving that airport; and what steps she is taking to mitigate potential disruption to (i) passengers and (ii) local communities.

In her letter of 27 February 2025, my Right Honourable Friend, the Secretary of State for Transport indicated that she was minded to approve the proposed development of the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway Project based on the principles of the requirements set out by the Examining Authority in its report. It is now for the applicant to respond. Both the letter and the report are published on The Planning Inspectorate’s website - https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR020005 .

The effects of the proposed development on the rail network, its users and local communities will be taken into account in the final decision, though my Right Honourable friend will note both Network Rail and rail operators were consulted as part of the application and have not objected to the proposals. However as this remains a live planning application with the Department, I cannot comment further on those issues at the current time.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
20th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to help increase awareness of careers in the maritime sector.

The Department continues to support industry to improve the awareness of careers in the maritime sector though the implementation of the Ratings Review and the Cadet Review, both of which were undertaken by the Maritime Skills Commission. The Cadet Review is being delivered through the Cadet Training & Modernisation programme and promoting seafaring career pathways is an important part of that work. A new maritime strategy is in development, which will include a focus on maritime careers.

Additionally, the Department continues to work with stakeholders, such as Maritime UK, on careers promotion and has supported Maritime UK’s Maritime Roadshow for Girls, which promotes STEM and maritime careers in schools. Officials are also working with Maritime UK’s Careers Taskforce, which coordinates careers outreach activity across the sector.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Mayor of London on improving the running of the Elizabeth line.

Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London (TfL) on a variety of issues. However, transport in London is devolved to the Mayor and TfL has overall responsibility for the management of the Elizabeth Line which is operated by their current contractor MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Limited.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has considered introducing a temporary dispensation for newly-purchased fishing vessels awaiting Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspection.

The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible.

Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel.

Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service.

The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity.

The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on increasing inspection capacity.

The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible.

Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel.

Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service.

The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity.

The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the time take for Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspections on the economic sustainability of inshore fishing businesses in rural coastal communities.

The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible.

Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel.

Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service.

The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity.

The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of the cost of railcards; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure rail travel remains affordable for (a) young people, (b) older passengers and (c) people on lower incomes.

The price of most railcards increased by £5 from 2 March 2025, except the Disabled Persons Railcard. Railcards still offer significant savings on rail fares with the average railcard holder saving up to £158 annually. In many cases, the price of railcards has not increased in a decade, during which time the cost of running the railway and the subsidy provided to the railway by the taxpayer has increased significantly. This small price increase helps to balance the funding for the railway between passengers and taxpayers.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Mayor of London on improving accessibility on the London Underground.

Disabled people should be able to travel easily, confidently and with dignity. 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.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether they have made an estimate of the potential impact of abolishing diversity, equity and inclusion roles in their Department on annual staffing costs.

The Department for Transport has not estimated the potential impact on annual staff costs in the department of abolishing Diversity, Equality and Inclusion roles.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the potential merits of opening a new railway station in St. Clears in Carmarthenshire.

Future provision of a station at St Clears is subject to ongoing discussion by the UK and Welsh governments within the Wales Rail Board as part of its consideration of future rail investment priorities for Wales.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to make a decision on the final business case submitted by Chiltern Railways.

The Department will continue to work closely with Chiltern Railways to support delivery of its train fleet renewal programme and to finalise the commercial arrangements attached to the rolling stock business case in order to deliver an improved experience for passengers from 2026.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to help tackle speeding in (a) Stratford-on-Avon constituency and (b) other rural areas.

The traffic authority for this area is Warwickshire County Council, which has the responsibility of making decisions about the roads under its care, based on its knowledge of the area and taking into account local needs and considerations. This includes traffic management and road environment measures as well as setting local speed limits.

Law enforcement, including enforcement of road traffic offences, is an operational matter for local Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables/Commissioners. It is for the police to enforce road traffic legislation and investigate road traffic incidents using their professional judgement. Any general policy within a force is a matter for the force’s Chief Officer, who will decide how to deploy available resources, taking into account any specific local problems and demands.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Road Traffic Act 1988 to require drivers to stop and report accidents involving cats.

There are no plans to amend section 170 of the Road Traffic Act to make it mandatory for drivers to report road collisions involving cats.

Although there is no obligation to report all collisions with animals on roads, Rule 286 of The Highway Code advises drivers to report any collisions involving an animal to the police, and if possible, they should make enquiries to ascertain the owner of domestic animals and advise them of the situation.

Since June 2024, all cats in England over 20 weeks of age must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database, unless exempt or free-living. This will make it easier for National Highways and local authorities to reunite cats with their keepers.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the Road Traffic Act 1991 to include the mandated reporting of cats that are (a) struck and (b) killed by vehicles.

There are no plans to amend section 170 of the Road Traffic Act to make it mandatory for drivers to report road collisions involving cats.


Although there is no obligation to report all collisions with animals on roads,Rule 286 of The Highway Code advises drivers to report any collisions involving an animal to the police, and if possible, they should make enquiries to ascertain the owner of domestic animals and advise them of the situation.


Since June 2024, all cats in England over 20 weeks of age must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database, unless exempt or free-living. This will make it easier for National Highways and local authorities to reunite cats with their keepers.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
14th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made recent progress on setting a date for the second meeting of the Motor Insurance Taskforce.

The Department will announce a date for the next meeting of the Motor Insurance Taskforce in due course.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of public transport procurement projects contracted by her Department since 5 July 2024 have included net zero requirements; and if she will make an estimate of the total extra cost as a result of including those requirements.

The Department for Transport does not record the net-zero requirements included in procurement projects contracted.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that all cars should include an emergency glass hammer.

The carriage by motorists of emergency equipment such as first aid kits, warning triangles, high visibility jackets and escape tools is not generally prescribed in law. The Highway Code recommends the carriage of many items of emergency equipment and my officials are currently working on proposals to clarify the Highway Code recommendations including adding the carriage of an appropriate escape tool.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has had discussions with the DVLA on the timeliness of drivers receiving licence renewal reminder letters.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency sends reminders for vocational licences and ten-year photocard licence renewals 56 days before the licence is due to expire. For those renewing their licence at the age of 70 and those renewing a short-period medical licence, reminders are sent 90 days before the licence is due to expire. There are no plans to change these timescales.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2025 to Question 34245 on Transport: Infrastructure, if she will publish Capital Review Panel's (a) terms of reference, (b) the dates it has met and (c) its budget; whether members of the Panel receive (i) remuneration, (ii) expenses and (iii) other financial recompense; and if the Panel has considered the (A) A12 widening scheme; and (B) the A120 dualling scheme proposals.

The Capital Review is an internal review, therefore the Panel’s terms of reference and proceedings are internal to the Department. Panel members are providing their time voluntarily and have not received any expenses or other financial recompense. The Panel has no allocated budget and the only costs incurred are through a small official secretariat.

The Capital Review’s primary aim is to provide the Secretary of State with strategic advice, not to provide advice on individual schemes.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the (a) effectiveness and (b) cost-efficiency of pothole repair strategies in Surrey Heath Constituency.

Surrey County Council is the local highway authority for the Surrey Heath constituency. The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to helping local highway authorities such as Surrey County Council maintain and renew their local highway networks.

At Budget 2024, the Chancellor announced an extra £500 million for local highway maintenance for the 2025/26 financial year, with funding allocations to individual English local highway authorities announced on 20 December 2024. Surrey County Council will receive up to £32.4 million for local highway maintenance in 2025/26, an increase of around 38% compared to the current financial year.

The effectiveness and cost-efficiency of Surrey’s highway maintenance programmes, including strategies concerning potholes and other road defects, is a matter for the Council.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she make it her policy to introduce a new interest-free loan scheme for taxi drivers purchasing new taxis matched to the retail price of the LEVC TXE.

As of October 2024, 60% of actively licensed London taxis were zero emission capable (ZEC). The Plug in Taxi Grant (PiTG) has been crucial in supporting taxi drivers to make this transition to ZEC vehicles and decarbonise our roads.

On 25 February 2025, the Government announced that the PITG will be extended into the 2025/26 financial year with a reduced rate of £4,000 per eligible vehicle. The Government does not currently intend to introduce an interest-free loan scheme for taxi drivers.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has to increase the number of fast charging points for electric vehicles in West Dorset constituency over the next five years.

The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of affordable and accessible charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle. The Government and industry have supported the installation of 75,305 publicly available charging devices, including 15,082 rapid charging devices. There are currently over 5,250 open-access rapid and ultra-rapid chargers within one mile of the strategic road network.

As of 1 January 2025, there were 107 public charging devices in West Dorset, including 30 rapid or ultra-rapid devices. Dorset Council, which includes West Dorset constituency, were allocated almost £3 million of capital and resource funding through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. The £381 million LEVI Fund supports local authorities in England to work with industry and transform the availability of EV charging for drivers without off-street parking. The funding, backed by private investment, will support the installation of at least 100,000 on-street chargepoints across England.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to support local authorities in west Dorset to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of affordable and accessible charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle. The Government and industry have supported the installation of 75,305 publicly available charging devices, including 15,082 rapid charging devices. There are currently over 5,250 open-access rapid and ultra-rapid chargers within one mile of the strategic road network.

As of 1 January 2025, there were 107 public charging devices in West Dorset, including 30 rapid or ultra-rapid devices. Dorset Council, which includes West Dorset constituency, were allocated almost £3 million of capital and resource funding through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. The £381 million LEVI Fund supports local authorities in England to work with industry and transform the availability of EV charging for drivers without off-street parking. The funding, backed by private investment, will support the installation of at least 100,000 on-street chargepoints across England.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
14th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 35580, how far does a person have to travel to a driving test centre for it to be considered accessible.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s travel distance criteria service level agreement, states that most customers live within a certain distance of a driving test centre (DTC) dependent on the population density of the local authority they live in. For example, in more densely populated areas of the country where the population is equal to or greater than 1,250 persons per square kilometre, such as Spelthorne, the practical test centre should be located so that most customers travel no more than seven miles to a test centre.

For customers in Spelthorne, depending in which part of the constituency they live, Isleworth, Chertsey, Slough, Tolworth, and Uxbridge DTCs respectively are within this travel distance criteria.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)