Department for Transport

As of 1 January 2026, there were 889 public electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Lincolnshire.

Lincolnshire County Council were awarded almost £6.4 million funding through the Government’s LEVI Fund to increase the number of local chargepoints across the area. LEVI funding and private investment will significantly scale the number of public charge points near to homes, giving residents confidence to switch to an EV. Under LEVI, Lincolnshire and other collaborating local authorities are currently procuring a supplier.

Lincolnshire will also benefit from over £400,000 awarded to the Greater Lincolnshire County Combined Authority through the £25 million EV Pavement Channels grant, which will support residents without off-street parking to conveniently charge their vehicles at home, accessing cheaper tariffs through their domestic energy supplies.

The Government is taking action to reform the grid connections process to ensure port infrastructure, such as shore power, can access the energy they need for maritime.

In addition, the Government is currently considering policy options to accelerate connection dates for strategic demand customers, such as critical port sites, to ensure access to grid connections are not a blocker to growth and decarbonisation.

We also ran a Call for Evidence about ports’ energy needs to inform future maritime emissions policy, a summary of which will be published later this year.

The National Parking Platform was launched in 2021 and is live now. Each Local Authority will make its own decision on whether, and when, to sign up and implement the service in its area. We are encouraging local transport authorities in England to support roll out of the platform.

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.

On 15 April 2026, the Department for Transport launched the Structures Fund to inject cash into repairing critical local highway structures across England, ensuring transport infrastructure is more resilient to extreme weather, whilst making every-day journeys safer, smoother and more dependable. This is in addition to the record investment of £7.3 billion the Department for Transport is providing for local highways maintenance between 2026-27 and 2029-30 to maintain and improve local roads across the country.

The Government’s recently published third Road Investment Strategy also includes an unprecedented £8.4 billion of investment into renewing assets on the strategic road network including bridges and other structures.

The Government does not intend to publish the minutes of the meetings of the Airspace and Noise Engagement Group (ANEG) that have taken place since May 2022. ANEG is chaired by DfT at official level and Ministers are not in attendance.

No such assessment has been made, and it is not an offence to use headphones while cycling. However, if this is done in such a way as to put other road users in danger, the police may choose to bring a prosecution for careless or dangerous cycling.

Rule 66 of the Highway Code states that people should “avoid any actions that could reduce control of your cycle” and Rule 67 says that people should “be aware of traffic coming up behind you, including other cyclists”. Wearing headphones could indirectly affect a person’s ability to comply with either of these rules.

The Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 provides the Government with powers to update and replace outdated product safety legislation.

The Department for Business and Trade, though the Office of Product Safety and Standards, are consulting on reforms to modernise the product safety framework, strengthen enforcement and improve consumer safety, including in relation to high-risk products and online sales. This includes consideration of lithium-ion batteries for e-bike and e-scooter batteries, which can present a fire risk where they do not comply with product safety legislation.

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.

Nobody should hold a mobile phone while cycling as this could affect their concentration and situational awareness. While no assessment of the dangers caused by this has been made, and it is not an offence to cycle and use a mobile phone, cyclists could be prosecuted by the police for careless or dangerous cycling.

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 encourages careers in the aviation industry through its Generation Aviation programme. The Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, a part of the Generation Aviation programme, administered by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), funds outreach activity with the aim of showcasing career paths, boosting skills and futureproofing the aviation sector.

The Department also funds the CAA’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme. The STEM programme is aimed at growing interest in aviation careers through identifying and addressing barriers and growing and diversifying the talent pool.

Since the inception of both programmes, the Department has committed close to £6 million in funding, reaching over one million young people.

The Department recognises the importance of East–West rail connectivity alongside North–South routes in supporting travel across the West Midlands and Staffordshire.

Connectivity is kept under review, and the Department is currently working with the rail industry to consider further improvements to East–West connectivity at weekends on the North Staffordshire Line.

This work is being taken forward with operators as they develop demand‑led timetables that can adapt to passengers’ evolving needs, whilst also making the running of the railways financially sustainable, to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used in the most efficient way.

HS2 Ltd has extended the deferral of works between Birmingham and Handsacre, in place since spring 2023, to focus efforts on the cost-efficient delivery of the opening stage of HS2 between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street. The scope of secondary works on the tunnels include construction activity relating to tunnel vent shafts, headhouses and walkways.

The guidance was published in draft in March 2024 but never brought into force. The Government is considering next steps and more information will be made available in due course.

As is longstanding policy, local authorities are best placed to decide what traffic management schemes are appropriate, including low-traffic neighbourhoods, but they should always be developed through engagement with local communities.

Better Connected sets this Government’s vision for people-focussed transport, supported by 40 new commitments to be delivered during this Parliament. Timescales and delivery milestones vary by commitment and will be monitored through the Department's internal governance process.

The strategy also sets out a framework for monitoring progress using headline metrics linked to the eight priorities. Baseline measures for these metrics are being developed to ensure they are robust and aligned with local transport authority outcome frameworks, where possible, drawing on a combination of existing national data sources and new primary data collection.

Further detail will be provided through a progress update in due course.

Better Connected sets this Government’s vision for people-focussed transport, supported by 40 new commitments to be delivered during this Parliament. Timescales and delivery milestones vary by commitment and will be monitored through the Department's internal governance process.

The strategy also sets out a framework for monitoring progress using headline metrics linked to the eight priorities. Baseline measures for these metrics are being developed to ensure they are robust and aligned with local transport authority outcome frameworks, where possible, drawing on a combination of existing national data sources and new primary data collection.

Further detail will be provided through a progress update in due course.

The Department for Transport is actively working with other government departments, local authorities and academics to undertake the necessary development work for the transport poverty tool and to understand where it could be most effective in decision-making. A decision on a release date has not yet been taken.

Specific information on the average time to process driving licence applications where the applicant is over the age of 70 and applied online is not available. The table below shows the average number of working days taken to process non-medical driving licence applications made online between January and 14 April 2026.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days following a successful online application.

However, driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer as in the interests of road safety the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a licence is issued.

The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in both the volume and complexity of driving licence applications from people with one or more medical conditions. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and has launched a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. The DVLA has also launched a new digital medical services portal. These enhancements, along with the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

Specific information on the average time to process driving licence applications where the applicant is over the age of 70 and applied online is not available. The table below shows the average number of working days taken to process non-medical driving licence applications made online between January and 14 April 2026.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days following a successful online application.

However, driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer as in the interests of road safety the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a licence is issued.

The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in both the volume and complexity of driving licence applications from people with one or more medical conditions. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and has launched a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. The DVLA has also launched a new digital medical services portal. These enhancements, along with the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 20 April 2026, to Question 125435.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 20 April 2026, to Question 125435.

Most of the A13, other than a short stretch near the M25, and all of the A127 are roads for which the relevant local highway authorities are responsible. This includes monitoring overall network performance and addressing congestion issues.

The Department publishes statistics annually on gov.uk on the average speed, delay and reliability of travel times on the Strategic Road Network (SRN) and local 'A' roads. These are available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/average-speed-delay-and-reliability-of-travel-times-cgn.

Motorways and trunk roads in Essex are the responsibility of National Highways. The Government has recently published the third Road Investment Strategy, its £27 billion 5-year plan for the Strategic Road Network. This includes an unprecedented £8.4 billion of investment in renewing the network, as well as investment in key enhancement schemes such as the Lower Thames Crossing.

Most of the A13, other than a short stretch near the M25, and all of the A127 are roads for which the relevant local highway authorities are responsible. This includes monitoring overall network performance and addressing congestion issues.

The Department publishes statistics annually on gov.uk on the average speed, delay and reliability of travel times on the Strategic Road Network (SRN) and local 'A' roads. These are available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/average-speed-delay-and-reliability-of-travel-times-cgn.

Motorways and trunk roads in Essex are the responsibility of National Highways. The Government has recently published the third Road Investment Strategy, its £27 billion 5-year plan for the Strategic Road Network. This includes an unprecedented £8.4 billion of investment in renewing the network, as well as investment in key enhancement schemes such as the Lower Thames Crossing.

As with other civil service roles, driving examiners must meet the requirements of the post, including being able to communicate effectively to conduct the driving test safely and to the required standards.

To be registered as an approved driving instructor in Great Britain, individuals must meet the statutory requirements for registration and pass the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) qualifying examinations such as the Theory Test, which is only conducted in English or Welsh.

DVSA monitors performance through supervision, standards checks and quality assurance processes and will take appropriate action where required standards are not met.

National Highways has completed construction of 151 additional emergency areas across the All Lane Running smart motorway network, through the National Emergency Area Retrofit programme. Across every All Lane Running motorway, the average distance between places to stop in an emergency is now less than a mile (around 0.9 miles), compared to around 1.2 miles before the retrofit.

The Government is investing in bus services and has confirmed over £3 billion from 2026/27 to support local leaders and bus operators across the country to improve bus services for millions of passengers.

To support public transport connectivity between Grays and Ebbsfleet, the department has allocated Kent County Council £78.3 million and Thurrock Council £6.5 million between 2026 and 2029. They will have the flexibility to use this funding to meet local needs and reflect local priorities.

The Department for Transport recognises that there is a published report from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, following its August 2025 trial of higher PCN levels, as well as research carried out by the British Parking Association, the Local Government Association and other key stakeholders. The Department is looking into the issue and these findings and recommendations will be carefully considered before any decisions are taken.

The Department published a new traffic light rating system for all local highway authorities in England on 11 January which rates authorities red, amber or green based on the condition of their roads, how effectively they spend their record Government funding, and whether they do so using best practice. This system allows the Government to identify where authorities need to improve and to provide them with support to ensure road conditions improve nationwide.

Staffordshire County Council received an overall amber rating. Its three scorecards show amber for condition, green for spend, and amber for wider best practice.

The Government recognises that the condition of local roads has been affected by historic underinvestment. To address this, it has committed a record £7.3 billion for local highways maintenance over the next four years, in addition to £1.6 billion provided in the last financial year. This longer-term funding provides authorities with greater certainty to plan ahead and move from short-term repairs to more proactive and preventative maintenance.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) writes to drivers to advise of any action taken on their case, for example where medical information has been requested from their healthcare professional or when a reminder has been issued and no response has been received.

The DVLA is also enhancing its online service to provide clearer application progress updates via the driver and vehicles customer account. Details on how to sign up for an account can be found at www.gov.uk/driver-vehicles-account.

The Department for Transport has not made an estimate of the number of uninsured drivers in Stockport and Greater Manchester.

Across the country, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) estimates that about 300,000 cars are being driven every day without insurance.

Effective management of surface water is an important part of maintaining the road network. Poor drainage can accelerate the deterioration of road surfaces and structures, increase the need for reactive maintenance, and contribute to the undermining of earthworks and other highway assets. This is why drainage is treated as a core component of highway asset management, and why the Department supports a whole‑life, risk‑based approach to maintaining highway infrastructure.

The Government is providing record levels of funding for local roads maintenance. Between 2026‑27 and 2029‑30, the Government is investing £7.3 billion in local highways maintenance, giving local highway authorities the certainty and flexibility to plan preventative maintenance, including for drainage and other associated assets.

In addition, the Department recently launched the Structures Fund, which will support local highway authorities to repair or replace large transport structures such as bridges, tunnels, retaining walls and other critical assets. This will help protect the resilience of the local road network and reduce the longer‑term impacts of asset deterioration, including those linked to water and drainage.

Responsibility for the management and maintenance of local roads, including associated assets such as drainage, rests with local highway authorities. Local decision‑making allows authorities to reflect local conditions, risks and priorities when planning and delivering maintenance activities.

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, which gives local highway authorities the flexibility to invest in data, maintenance and preventative interventions in line with local needs and best practice.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 20 April 2026, to Question 125435.

In 2025-2026, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s contact centre answered 8,929,400 customer contacts, of which 964,576 were answered via webchat. The webchat service provides customers with an online option to support them when they are using one of the DVLA’s digital services or if they have a general enquiry.

The DVLA’s webchat also incorporates a chatbot function which automatically answered 498,780 customers in 2025-26 without any human intervention. The chatbot function is available constantly, allowing the DVLA to answer some customer enquiries outside of its standard opening hours.

In 2025-26, the average time taken to handle an enquiry via the webchat channel was around 90 seconds quicker than the telephone option.

The table below shows the March 2026 average waiting time for a car practical driving test. This data is based on the national average waiting time metric of when a minimum of 10% of test slots are available. The table also shows the number of tests booked and available at the driving test centres (DTCs) serving the East Midlands as of 20 April 2026.

Between June 2025 – March 2026, at the DTCs above, DVSA conducted 10,036 additional car practical driving tests in overtime, when compared to the equivalent overtime scheme between June 2024 – March 2025. This increase can largely be attributed to the additional test allowance scheme the agency introduced in June 2025.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is aware that demand for approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 and part 3 tests is high in some areas across the country and recognises the time constraints this may place on trainee driving instructors.

As ADI examiners are deployed across multiple test centres, understanding when and where candidates wish to take tests helps DVSA deploy examiner resource appropriately. Consequently, DVSA does not publish waiting times for ADI tests. DVSA has recruited, and continues to recruit, additional ADI examiners and has increased its capacity to train new examiners.

The Department does not readily hold figures on the percentage of ANPR misreads from vehicle excise duty evasion statistics roadside survey. Misreads are managed through quality assurance and correction processes, with any remaining uncertainty reflected in the confidence intervals published alongside Vehicle Excise Duty evasion estimates.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has supported the protection of UK nationals, UK economic interests and the resilience of global maritime trade by strengthening maritime security overseas, particularly in relation to terrorism and major security threats. DfT has acted to build and enhance international maritime security capacity by working collaboratively with partner states to improve compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, thereby reducing risk to the UK’s supply chains, energy routes and the UK‑registered and wider Red Ensign Group shipping fleet. In March 2025 two DfT officials (1 x Higher Executive Officer and 1 x Senior Executive Officer) visited Tanzania to deliver capacity development workshops, undertake port security surveys and participate in a Women in Maritime symposium.

The visit was approved by a Deputy Director (Senior Civil Servant) in DfT’s Transport Security Division in line with departmental policy. The total cost of the visit was £8,584.42.

As part of the planning process, consideration was given to whether the engagement could be conducted remotely or combined with other official travel. While some preparatory and follow up activity was undertaken virtually, aspects of the engagement required on site delivery and therefore could not be fully conducted remotely.

The number of traffic officers employed by National Highways on 15 March in 2025 and 2026 were as follows:

The table below shows the average number of days to make a licensing decision for driving licence applications where a medical condition required investigation before a licence could be issued in each month from January 2024 to March 2026. The final figures for April 2026 are not yet available.

Driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) must be investigated before a licence can be issued can take longer than applications where there is no medical condition as the DVLA is often reliant on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued.

The DVLA has seen sustained growth in the volume and complexity of medical licence applications, increasing waiting times for some customers. To improve its services, the DVLA has introduced a new casework system and launched a new medical services portal, so most customers can now apply online through the DVLA’s driver and vehicles account. Details on how to sign up for an account can be found at www.gov.uk/driver-vehicles-account.

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