Asked by: Andrew Snowden (Conservative - Fylde)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the impact of rising and unpredictable police escort costs on the abnormal load haulage sector and the wider tourism supply chain, particularly in rural and coastal areas.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Department for Transport has not assessed the impact of police escort costs on the abnormal load haulage sector and the wider tourism supply chain.
The provision and charging for police escorts is an operational matter for individual police forces. We are aware of concerns raised about some police forces increasing the costs for escorting abnormal loads. The Department therefore welcomes the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s revised guidance on abnormal loads, which aims to provide greater consistency and clarity in the approach to abnormal load movements and costs across the country.
Asked by: Sarah Olney (Liberal Democrat - Richmond Park)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department meet with representatives from Heathrow Airport prior to the Chancellor's announcement of the Government's support for a third runway at Heathrow in January 2025.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Heathrow Airport is a key stakeholder for a range of aviation and transport policy areas, and it is routine for officials to engage with airport operators and other industry stakeholders as part of the Department’s ongoing work. My officials continue to meet with representatives of Heathrow Airport regularly to discuss a range of issues.
Asked by: Imran Hussain (Labour - Bradford East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what criteria her Department uses when deciding whether a major transport project should be added to the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP), including which projects and programmes are included, is managed by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). The criteria for GMPP projects are typically those where approval is required from HM Treasury (HMT), either because the budget exceeds the department’s delegated authority level and/or because the project is novel, complex, contentious, or requires primary legislation. The department engages with NISTA on a monthly basis to ensure that the correct projects and programmes are added to the GMPP.
NISTA is currently undergoing a review of the Government Major Projects Portfolio, which currently comprises over 200 projects, programmes and portfolios. It is expected that it will significantly reduce the number of major projects that the centre of government actively supports.
Jan. 08 2026
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Source Page: I. Road safety strategy. Incl. Annexes. 60p. II. Consultation on: Proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences. 41p. III. Consultation on: Introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers (category B driving licence). 24p. IV. Consultation on: Introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers. 21p. V. Consultation on: Improving moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing Category A (AM, A1, A2 and full A). 31p. VII. Consultation on: Mandating vehicle safety technologies in GB type approval. 35p. VIII. Letter dated 07/01/2026 from Heidi Alexander MP to the Deposited Papers Clerk regarding the above documents for deposit in the House Libraries. 1p.Jan. 08 2026
Source Page: I. Road safety strategy. Incl. Annexes. 60p. II. Consultation on: Proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences. 41p. III. Consultation on: Introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers (category B driving licence). 24p. IV. Consultation on: Introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers. 21p. V. Consultation on: Improving moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing Category A (AM, A1, A2 and full A). 31p. VII. Consultation on: Mandating vehicle safety technologies in GB type approval. 35p. VIII. Letter dated 07/01/2026 from Heidi Alexander MP to the Deposited Papers Clerk regarding the above documents for deposit in the House Libraries. 1p.