Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2026 to Question 8116, whether the modelling work cited has now been completed, and if she will publish the modelling in full.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The additional modelling work has now been completed. Colleagues from Network Rail, the Mining Remediation Authority and the Environment Agency have discussed the findings to agree a preferred option to address the pollution issue in Whitehaven Harbour. This has been communicated to local stakeholders.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of persistent overcrowding on CrossCountry rail services on passenger safety, accessibility and journey quality; and what steps she is taking to increase capacity on heavily used CrossCountry routes serving the South West, Midlands and North of England.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Passenger safety, accessibility and customer experience impacts are monitored on a continuing basis through contractual oversight, operator reporting and the wider rail regulatory framework.

The Department regularly monitors the operator’s capacity and passenger experience, whilst passenger safety is regulated by the Office of Rail and Road.

The Government has been taking action to increase capacity on CrossCountry routes by funding twelve additional Voyager trains, equivalent to 60 additional carriages, which began entering passenger service in May 2025 and provide thousands of additional seats each week across the network. DfT Operator (DFTO) officials are also working with CrossCountry to introduce further additional Voyager trains to the CrossCountry fleet. The Department is also funding a £75 million refurbishment of CrossCountry’s entire fleet to improve passenger comfort and the overall travel experience.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has of the adequacy of waiting times for ADI driving tests (a) in Ashfield and (b) nationwide.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

One of the biggest contributing factors to the high waiting times for approved driving instructor (ADI) practical tests is a considerable increase over recent years in the number of people applying to become an ADI. In May 2026, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) received over 1,700 applications from people wanting to start the process of becoming a driving instructor.  Demand for ADI tests is further exacerbated by the falling pass rate for the ADI part 3 test, which has fallen from 34.2% in 2023-24 to 27.8% in 2025-26, resulting in more candidates having to retake their test.

DVSA has and continues to recruit additional ADI examiners and has increased its capacity to train new examiners. ADI examiners cover several test centre locations and DVSA deploys them according to demand. To identify areas with higher demand, applicants can place ADI practical tests on hold and nominate their preferred test centre location and date. This helps DVSA deploy examiners where they are most needed. Where appropriate, priority is given to those nearing the end of their two-year qualification period. There are currently 66 potential driving instructors awaiting a test at Ashfield driving test centre.

It is vital that at the beginning of the learning process that PDIs and their trainers plan and structure their training according to the individual’s level of ability and current commitments to allow sufficient time for each of the three qualifying elements. This will also help to set realistic expectations about how much time and money the qualifying process takes and the likelihood of achieving full qualification.

DVSA is currently working through an end-to-end review of the ADI qualification journey and intends to improve the clarity and efficiency of the process while maintaining statutory standards.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve waiting times for ADI driving tests (a) in Ashfield and (b) nationwide.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

One of the biggest contributing factors to the high waiting times for approved driving instructor (ADI) practical tests is a considerable increase over recent years in the number of people applying to become an ADI. In May 2026, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) received over 1,700 applications from people wanting to start the process of becoming a driving instructor.  Demand for ADI tests is further exacerbated by the falling pass rate for the ADI part 3 test, which has fallen from 34.2% in 2023-24 to 27.8% in 2025-26, resulting in more candidates having to retake their test.

DVSA has and continues to recruit additional ADI examiners and has increased its capacity to train new examiners. ADI examiners cover several test centre locations and DVSA deploys them according to demand. To identify areas with higher demand, applicants can place ADI practical tests on hold and nominate their preferred test centre location and date. This helps DVSA deploy examiners where they are most needed. Where appropriate, priority is given to those nearing the end of their two-year qualification period. There are currently 66 potential driving instructors awaiting a test at Ashfield driving test centre.

It is vital that at the beginning of the learning process that PDIs and their trainers plan and structure their training according to the individual’s level of ability and current commitments to allow sufficient time for each of the three qualifying elements. This will also help to set realistic expectations about how much time and money the qualifying process takes and the likelihood of achieving full qualification.

DVSA is currently working through an end-to-end review of the ADI qualification journey and intends to improve the clarity and efficiency of the process while maintaining statutory standards.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the contribution of coach travel in connecting the South West.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department recognises the important role coach sector plays in providing access across the country for education, business and leisure. We work with the sector to ensure they can continue to provide vital links between towns and cities, to places of education and other transport connections.

The Western Gateway Sub-National Transport Body is doing positive work to improve coach connectivity in the South West. In 2023, it published its Coach Strategy, which provided a comprehensive review of the sector in the South West and identified the role the sector can play in improving regional connectivity.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the introduction of Graduated Driving Licensing in Northern Ireland on drivers.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Driver licensing is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland. We are aware that Northern Ireland is introducing a Graduated Driving Licensing scheme from 1 October 2026.

My officials meet regularly with their counterparts in the Devolved Governments, including those in Northern Ireland and I have asked my officials to keep me up to date on developments.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many vessels have been found to have invalid or insufficient insurance following challenge through the Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism since March 2026.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 10 September 2026 to question UIN 26734 regarding the Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism. The Department for Transport is unable to provide a breakdown on the vessels that have been challenged by the Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism as this information could compromise the effectiveness of the mechanism, only benefitting our adversaries.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many operators of ferry routes between England and France have been issued with a surcharge for non-compliance with the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024 to date.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

There have not been any surcharges imposed on operators of ferry routes between England and France to date.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how funding for the TransPennine Express will be allocated across maintenance and capital costs of trains.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The TransPennine Express rolling stock contract is worth around £800 million, with maintenance contracts worth around £200 million.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 21972 on Large Goods Vehicles: Licensing, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of reform of the Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing regime in respect of (a) administrative requirements and (b) costs for road freight operators.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As set out in my answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 21972, the department is considering the Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing regime to ensure that it remains effective, proportionate and supports a safe and competitive road freight sector. As part of this work, the department is considering both the administrative requirements of the regime and the costs associated with compliance for road freight operators. No decisions have yet been taken on any specific reforms.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of moving to a fully digitalised vocational driving licence application system.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Straightforward applications for vocational driving licences are being processed within normal turnaround times of ten working days.

Applications where a medical condition must be assessed before a licence can be issued can take longer to process as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is often dependent on information from third parties, including medical professionals before a licence can be issued.

While the DVLA plans to enhance the online services available for vocational drivers given the clear advantages for both the DVLA and drivers in doing so, there are no current timescales available.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to reduce waiting times for vocational driving licences for (a) new applicants and (b) renewals.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Straightforward applications for vocational driving licences are being processed within normal turnaround times of ten working days.

Applications where a medical condition must be assessed before a licence can be issued can take longer to process as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is often dependent on information from third parties, including medical professionals before a licence can be issued.

While the DVLA plans to enhance the online services available for vocational drivers given the clear advantages for both the DVLA and drivers in doing so, there are no current timescales available.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has taken steps to address the delays to licenses being reinstated after a medical revocation by the DVLA, and the impact the current delays are having on individuals waiting for their licenses to be reinstated.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has seen sustained growth in the volume and complexity of driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated before a licence can be issued. The length of time taken to deal with an application often depends on the condition(s) involved and whether further information is required from third parties, for example doctors or other healthcare professionals, before a licence can be issued.

To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its Drivers Medical function and has launched a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements for drivers with medical conditions.

The DVLA also launched a new digital medical services portal for customers in March, which covers around 1600 medical conditions. This service has recently been enhanced allowing more drivers to apply online, including those renewing their licence at the age of 70, those applying for a provisional licence and those whose licences were previously surrendered a revoked.

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

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 7 September 2026 to Question 26241 on Road Works: Compensation, what data her Department holds on the cost incurred by highway authorities in undertaking remedial works following defective street works reinstatements in each of the last five years; and how much of that cost was recovered from undertakers.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department does not hold data on the costs incurred by highway authorities in undertaking remedial works following defective street works reinstatements, nor on the amount of those costs recovered from undertakers, in each of the last five years. Highway authorities are responsible for the inspection of reinstatements and may recover costs where they undertake remedial works.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the a) cost of train orders, b) number of trainsets ordered and c) cost per trainset was over the last 10 years.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Between October 2016 and September 2026, 807 trainsets comprising 4,154 vehicles were ordered for use on the railway in Great Britain. Identified procurement costs for these orders total approximately £9.1 billion. This equates to an average procurement cost of approximately £11.3 million per trainset.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what financial and staff resources from the London and North Eastern Railway have been used to support the creation of the Great British Railways Transition Team.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

In designing the future of rail and creating Great British Railways (GBR), we encouraged participation from across the industry in the GBR Transition Team (GBRTT) to ensure it was truly representative of the railway. This industry participation has continued following GBRTT being stood down in the 2025 financial year.

Building GBR with railway professionals has always been central to its success. Individuals from London and North Eastern Railway have contributed to this programme in a variety of ways, including through secondments into GBRTT and participation in industry projects aimed at improving the railway.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many learner drivers have had their driving test cancelled by the DVSA (a) once and (b) more than once in each month since April 2025.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The table below shows how many learner drivers have had their driving test cancelled by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) once, and more than once, in each month since April 2025.

Please note, this data is based on the month the test was scheduled to take place, which might not be the same month the cancellation was made.

DVSA does not take the decision to cancel tests lightly and will only do so as a last resort. DVSA will try to find another examiner to provide cover if it can, but this is not always possible.

DVSA publishes data on car practical test cancellation reasons by month and driving test centre (DTC) on GOV.UK. This data, in report DRT122B, is updated annually and currently shows data to March 2026. The next update is due to be published in June 2027.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the maximum allowable operating speed in the HS2 Phase 1 tunnels.

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

HS2 will now operate to a maximum permissible overall line speed of 320 km/h, this includes all tunnels on the route.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed additional vehicle emissions requirements on the finances of motorists.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Department for Transport analysis shows that electric vehicle drivers who are able to charge at home can save up to £1,400 per year in running costs compared to a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle. Industry data suggests that the upfront cost of electric vehicles is increasingly comparable to conventionally fuelled equivalents.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Department plans to publish its response to the consultations launched alongside the Road Safety Strategy published in January 2026.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The government response to the consultation on mandating vehicle safety technologies in GB type approval was published on 16 July 2026.

Responses to the consultations on motoring offences, introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers, introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers and improved moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing are currently being analysed.

Government responses to those consultations will be published once analysis has concluded.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the appropriateness of time taken to implement road safety measures following serious or fatal road traffic collisions; what steps her Department is taking to reduce barriers to the introduction of traffic calming measures where local communities and police forces have identified safety concerns; and whether she has made an assessment of the impact of planning, consultation and regulatory requirements on the time taken to introduce such measures.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government has not made a specific assessment of the appropriateness of the time taken to implement road safety measures following individual serious or fatal road traffic collisions.

Responsibility for decisions on local roads, including the introduction of traffic-calming measures and other safety interventions, rests with the relevant local traffic authority. Local authorities are best placed to assess local circumstances, including collision history, traffic conditions, road layout, community concerns and the needs of vulnerable road users.

The Department provides design guidance in Local Transport Note 1/07: Traffic Calming, available at Local transport notes - GOV.UK

As set out in the Highways (Traffic Calming) Regulations 1999, authorities must consult the local chief of police and other organisations they consider are likely to be affected on proposed traffic calming measures, but there is no set process for this and it is for local authorities to determine how best to fulfil this requirement.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 7 July to Question 14117 on Railways: Chichester, and with reference to derailment incidents during summer 2026, whether she plans to (a) review and (b) expedite the Weather Resilience and Climate Change Adaption plans for the railways in England.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager of Britain’s railways, has the main responsibility for maintaining the integrity and safety of the rail network to ensure passenger and freight services can operate reliably. Network Rail’s Weather Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation (WRCCA) Plans are aligned with planned renewals delivery over the course of their 2024 to 2029 delivery period. Where appropriate and feasible, some of the planned actions may be brought forward on a case-by-case basis but in general, Network Rail will continue to deliver the plans as scheduled.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2026, to Question 17041, Parking Offences: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, what were the conclusions from the review, what is the Government's response to the review, and if she will publish the review.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department noted Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s conclusions following its 2025 trial. BCP then requested a further trial, which was granted. There are no plans to publish reviews of these trials, which have been held by BCP, and where the publication of any conclusions is for them.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many (a) Notices to Improve and (b) written instructions her Department issued to train operating companies for which the Department is the operator in relation to (i) service performance and (ii) financial control in January 2026 and each subsequent month.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not issued any Notices to Improve on any of the DfT Operator train operating companies in January 2026 and in each subsequent month because none have been in breach of their formal contractual terms.

The DfT regularly engages with all operators on service performance and financial management, aligned with this Government's priorities on improving performance and reducing subsidy.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the number of vehicles that could be required to be withdrawn from use or scrapped under her proposals on vehicle emissions.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Under the Department’s plans, no vehicles are required to be withdrawn from use or scrapped.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 21972 on Large Goods Vehicles: Licensing, what specific reforms to (a) operator licensing requirements and (b) associated regulatory processes her Department is considering; and which road freight industry representative bodies it has consulted on those potential reforms.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I refer to my answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 21972.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 13 July 2026 to Question 16605 on Parking Offences: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, whether her Department plans to (a) conduct further pilots and trials and (b) amend legislation on municipal parking fines in England outside London.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department is not conducting trials. The BCP trial was conducted by BCP. There are no plans to amend legislation on municipal parking fines outside London.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of practical driving tests at test centres serving Hamilton and Clyde Valley constituency.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publish detailed data on car driving test waiting times so learners can get better understanding of the booking system. More information and waiting time data, including for driving test centres serving Hamilton and Clyde Valley constituency is available on GOV.UK

In April 2025, the Government announced a package of measures to reduce practical car test waiting times and deliver around 10,000 additional tests per month. Between April 2025 and March 2026, DVSA conducted a record 1.99 million practical car tests, 159,000 (8.6%) more than the previous year.

DVSA has made changes to make the booking system fairer, as well as continuing to run national recruitment campaigns for driving examiners (DE) across the country. From recruitment, a full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if her Department will publish an assessment of the potential impact of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate on (a) the competitiveness of UK-based vehicle manufacturers relative to Chinese vehicle manufacturers and (b) the market share of Chinese-manufactured vehicles in the UK.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government continues to back the UK’s transition to electric vehicles with £7.5 billion to grow the market, boost electric vehicle manufacturing and build up the charging network.

In the context of the global challenges facing the automotive sector, the Government continues to engage with UK-based manufacturers on a regular basis to ensure that the transition delivers for them, including as part of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate Review, which is currently subject to consultation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of UK participation in the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department is undertaking a comprehensive review of the transport case and the practicalities of rejoining the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS), with the aim of determining how to best take this policy forward by the end of the year.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with (a) Transport for London and (b) the Greater London Authority on the publication of guidance on applications for fully autonomous taxi passenger services; and what her policy is on the adoption of driverless taxis in London.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department engages regularly with Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) on the Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting framework established under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.

This engagement has included discussions on the operation of the pilot permitting scheme, the roles of local licensing authorities and franchising bodies in their consent function, and the non-statutory guidance issued by the Department to support these processes.

Under the framework, where an automated passenger service resembles a taxi or private hire vehicle, the relevant licensing authority must provide its consent before a permit can be granted. There is no requirement for TfL, the GLA or any other consent authority to issue guidance on the role automated passenger services may play within their local areas.

Decisions on individual permit applications will be taken in accordance with the statutory framework, including the requirement for appropriate local consent. The Government considers that automated passenger services have the potential to improve transport options and support innovation, while maintaining public safety as the overriding priority.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is the current amount of facility time given to the trade unions by DfT Operator Limited (DFTO) (a) in cash and (b) as percentage of paybill terms; and whether DFTO plans to increase this further as a consequence of the new Civil Service facility time framework.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The DfT Operator Limited is in the process of finalising a recognition agreement with the public sector unions whose members transferred from the Department and as such, there is no facility time in DfT Operator Limited.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor for Exchequer on alternative financing models for rolling stock.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Department for Transport officials hold regular discussions with HM Treasury officials on a range of matters, including in relation to the procurement of rolling stock. However, no discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the use of alternative financing models to fund the purchase of new trains.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with (a) RNIB, (b) Guide Dogs, (c) Transport for All and (d) Living Streets on the potential impact of pavement delivery robots on disabled and older pedestrians; and whether an equality impact assessment has been carried out on any proposed trial framework.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Department officials have engaged with stakeholders representing disabled people and pedestrians, including the RNIB, Guide Dogs and Living Streets, to inform the development of the Government’s policy approach to pavement robot trials. Discussions have covered pavement obstruction, pedestrian safety in shared spaces, and service accessibility. Officials will continue to engage with stakeholders as policy development progresses.

The Department is in parallel developing an equality impact assessment to support consideration of the potential impacts of any proposed trial framework. This work will help ensure that equalities impacts are properly considered in line with the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of whether aviation performance statistics adequately reflect passenger experience after an aircraft has arrived on stand; and whether the department would consider introducing reporting requirements for end-to-end arrivals performance, including disembarkation, border processing and baggage delivery times.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Civil Aviation Authority publishes its annual UK aviation consumer survey which includes data on consumer experience and satisfaction throughout their journey, including passport control, baggage claim and transferring to a connecting flight. The most recent data shows increases in passenger satisfaction across the board, for those who had flown in the last 12 months.

UK airports are privately owned and operated and are responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of their facilities. Within their resilience arrangements, UK airports have processes in place to ensure the safe disembarkation and quick onward movement of passengers, coordinating with ground handlers, airlines and local transport providers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Ministry of Defence on protecting the freedom of navigation of UK commercial shipping through strategically important international waterways.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The security of UK commercial shipping in strategically important international waterways is a key priority for the Department for Transport.

We engage in regular discussions with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Ministry of Defence to exchange information, assess developments affecting the maritime security environment, and support the provision of appropriate advice and guidance to shipping.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 7 September 2026 to Question 24625 on Parking Offences: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, if she will publish the analysis of the trial of higher-level Penalty Charge Notices; and whether the results of that analysis will inform decisions on the level of Penalty Charge Notices in other local authority areas.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department does not plan to publish analysis of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s trial findings. Whenever ministers make decisions, they do so on the basis of all the available evidence.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 126283 on Ribble Valley Line, what recent steps she has taken to restore Northern Rail services on Sundays between Clitheroe and Blackburn.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department is encouraging the train operator, Northern, and the RMT trade union to continue discussions with a view to reach an agreement so that reliable Sunday services can be provided across the North of England, including between Clitheroe and Blackburn.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to facilitate discussions between the Port of London Authority, the vessel's custodians and heritage organisations to seek a negotiated solution for HMS President.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department at this time has no plans to facilitate discussions with the Port of London Authority regarding HMS President. The PLA is a trust port and as such does not consult the department on its day-to-day operational decisions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance her Department provides to harbour authorities on balancing operational responsibilities with the preservation of nationally significant historic vessels.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department provides Ports with guidance primarily via the Ports good Governance Guidance, which sets out how ports should manage their affairs. There is no specific guidance around preservation, but the department expects all ports to conform to national legislation that deal with preservation of vessels.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 9 July 2026, to Question 16283, on National Highways: Public Relations, if she will place in the Library a copy of the (a) contract, (b) Scope of Work document and (c) project specification for the external public affairs contract; and whether the stakeholders include (i) MPs and (ii) Government departments.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

In response to Questions 30028 and 30022, I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 9 July 2026 to PQ UIN 16283 and 8 September 2026 to PQ UIN 21982.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to bring forward legislation to amend section 7A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 so that a specimen of blood taken from a driver incapable of giving consent may be tested without that driver's subsequent consent.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government recently consulted on possible changes to the law and practice governing drink and drug testing. Responses are being analysed and the Government will set out its conclusions and any next steps in its response to the consultation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 28 August 2026 to Question 17510 on Department for Transport: Public Relations, if she will publish the (a) Scope of Work document and (b) project specification for the National Highways public affairs contract.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

In response to Questions 30028 and 30022, I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 9 July 2026 to PQ UIN 16283 and 8 September 2026 to PQ UIN 21982.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what data her Department holds on trends in the average number of vehicles on the roads from 2000 onwards.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Information on the volume of traffic on roads across Great Britain is collected and published by the Department here https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/road-traffic-statistics.

The data held by the Department for 2000 to 2025 showed that 342.6 billion vehicle miles were travelled on Great Britain’s roads in 2025, compared to 289.6 billion miles in 2000.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she last had discussions with her French counterpart on the enforcement of seafarer rights in the short sea ferry sector.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Secretary of State for Transport last met with the French Minister for Transport on 8 July 2026.

Department for Transport officials have regular discussions with their counterparts in the French government to discuss enforcement of seafarer employment protections.

On 15 September 2025, the UK and France signed a joint declaration on Cross-Channel information exchange and cooperation, committing to further joint working on enforcement of seafarer measures.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has met (a) the WMCA and (b) BCC to help ensure the Transport for City Regions settlements benefit Royal Sutton Coldfield.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department regularly engages with the West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council on transport priorities across the region, including the development and delivery of the Transport for City Regions settlement.

The West Midlands Combined Authority has been allocated almost £2.4 billion through the settlement. It is for the Combined Authority, working with its constituent authorities and local partners, to decide how that funding is used to support local priorities and deliver benefits for communities across the region, including Royal Sutton Coldfield.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of Government funding for the maintenance of local roads in Royal Sutton Coldfield.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Responsibility for maintaining local roads rests with local highway authorities.

The Government provides substantial funding for local highway maintenance, including through the West Midlands Combined Authority’s £2.4 billion Transport for City Regions Settlement, and previously via Royal Sutton Coldfield's local highway authority, Birmingham City Council.

The Department keeps local roads funding under review, and it is for local authorities to determine how best to allocate available funding in accordance with local priorities.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2026 to Question 14930 on Railways: Standards, what information her Department holds on which state-owned Train Operating Companies record management information on service cancellations attributable to (a) short-notice staff sickness and (b) crew unavailability.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department does not hold information on which train operating companies record management information specifically on service cancellations attributable to short-notice staff sickness or crew unavailability.

Train operating companies monitor a range of management information locally in support of operational decision-making in addition to industry-standard cancellation attribution data. The Department does not maintain a record of whether individual operators record such information.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 10 September 2026 to Question 27029 on Motor Insurance: Young People, whether she has considered the potential merits of capping insurance costs for young drivers and young drivers with black boxes installed in their vehicles.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

My department has not made an assessment on the potential merits of capping insurance costs for young drivers, neither have we considered capping insurance costs for young drivers with black boxes installed in their vehicles.

I refer my Honourable Friend to my answer to his previous question on this matter (PQ 27029). As set out there, the setting of motor insurance premiums is a commercial decision for individual insurers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2026 to Question 26159 on Speed Limits: Cameras, how many speed cameras on (a) motorways and (b) A-roads remain affected by the technical anomaly; and what proportion of affected cameras have had the Home Office-approved solution implemented.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The anomaly impacts 154 cameras on 10% (440 miles) of the Strategic Road Network (4500 miles), which accounts for ~0.2% of the whole road network in England. A solution to the technical anomaly has been developed and is undergoing thorough testing. The police continue to enforce speed offences on the network via a range of tactics.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, Schedule 14, Part 1, Paragraph 18 for zebra crossings at floating bus stops.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government considers that the requirements set out in Schedule 14, Part 1, Paragraph 18 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 provide an appropriate framework for zebra crossings, including those associated with floating bus stop designs.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 7 September 2026 to Question 26119 on East West Rail Line, how many trains require modification before passenger services can commence between Oxford and Milton Keynes; how many have been modified; and when she expects modification and testing of the full fleet to be completed.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

All trains for the Oxford to Milton Keynes service require a set of modifications before they can enter passenger operation. Modifications are nearing completion, and a full testing regime is underway which will support the safety validation process. We will provide further updates on modifications when they are complete.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the economic cost of the recent flight disruptions affecting London airports to tourism, business travel and freight movements.

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

I am under no illusion that the economic cost of the recent incident is significant. Therefore, we need to learn the lessons from what has happened to ensure that we can minimise the chance of disruption of this kind happening again.

The Secretary of State asked NATS to provide a report by 16 September setting out the cause of the incident and the actions taken in response, which has now been received. The Government has also asked the CAA to conduct an independent review and will provide an update within 6 months. This will provide an important opportunity to review existing arrangements, ensure lessons are learned, and identify any further measures required to enhance resilience.

Legislate to mandate an automatic refund system for flight delays over 1 hour, irrespective of cause. The original retailer, broker or airline must pay passengers, and NATS must be legally mandated to reimburse them when ATC is at fault.

We call on the Government to update the law to:
Make altering a vehicle's odometer illegal in all circumstances (for both electrified and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars).

Introduce a specific minimum £22/hour wage for UK HGV drivers and mandate overtime pay. Driving heavy vehicles carries high legal risks, long hours, and severe exhaustion. We believe pay must match HGV driver daily responsibilities to reflect hazards and liability. Overtime must be legally paid.

We want the Government to make the wearing of protective safety equipment for the body as important as wearing a helmet by making it a legal requirement for motorcyclists. We believe this is about saving lives.

I think at the age of 65 you should have a retake of your driving test and continue doing so every 5 years. I don’t feel a renewal of a driving license and providing medical records are quite enough.

The leading human factor in road casualty collisions is ineffective observation e.g. failing to look properly or misjudging the speed of approaching priority traffic. If Give Way signs at junctions from minor roads to A & B roads were changed to Stop, we think drivers would use better observation.

We want the Government to change the law to make Highway Code Rule 223 mandatory, requiring motorists to give priority to buses, coaches and trams when it is safe to do so, especially when they signal to pull away from stops, to improve the safety of passengers and other road users.

Easy transport to and from a place of school/work.

Allow 14–15-year-olds to obtain a restricted 50cc motorcycle permit after approved training and testing. They must attend their test with a parent/guardian who has held a motorcycle licence for 5+ years. No passengers or night riding; certified gear required, with parent/guardian approval to buy.

Disabled parking permits are physical blue badges which require users to remember to display them. They're often stolen so cars with blue badges are more liable to break-ins. We feel digital badges (with an option of physical ones) would allow for safer street & public parking for disabled drivers.

We petition Government to regulate ride-hailing fares. Set a fair base fare, transparent per-mile or per-kilometre rates, and clear surge-pricing limits to protect passengers and drivers, promote fair competition, ensure predictable earnings, and provide reasonable, transparent prices.

Follow Poland’s lead by making parking free for all electric vehicles in parking spaces owned or managed by local authorities.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to increase police powers to tackle illegal e-scooter use.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government is committed to supporting the police in tackling the illegal and anti-social use of e-scooters. Privately owned e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles and are illegal to use on public roads and other public places unless they comply with the relevant legal requirements such as having appropriate insurance, driving licences, number plates, and helmets.

Police already have powers to stop, seize and, where appropriate, dispose of illegally used e-scooters, as well as to enforce offences relating to careless or dangerous use.

The Government has reduced and aligned vehicle disposal timeframes, enabling vehicles to be disposed of after seven days. In the Crime and Policing Act 2026 we strengthened police powers to tackle vehicles used in an anti-social manner, including e-scooters, by removing the requirement to issue a warning before seizure. These measures will enable officers to take swifter action against those using e-scooters illegally and in a way that causes alarm, distress or nuisance to the public.

The Home Office continues to work closely with policing partners and the Department for Transport to support effective enforcement and improve public safety.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps are being taken to support police enforcement of illegal e-scooter use.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government is committed to supporting the police in tackling the illegal and anti-social use of e-scooters. Privately owned e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles and are illegal to use on public roads and other public places unless they comply with the relevant legal requirements such as having appropriate insurance, driving licences, number plates, and helmets.

Police already have powers to stop, seize and, where appropriate, dispose of illegally used e-scooters, as well as to enforce offences relating to careless or dangerous use.

The Government has reduced and aligned vehicle disposal timeframes, enabling vehicles to be disposed of after seven days. In the Crime and Policing Act 2026 we strengthened police powers to tackle vehicles used in an anti-social manner, including e-scooters, by removing the requirement to issue a warning before seizure. These measures will enable officers to take swifter action against those using e-scooters illegally and in a way that causes alarm, distress or nuisance to the public.

The Home Office continues to work closely with policing partners and the Department for Transport to support effective enforcement and improve public safety.

Found: local road maintanance Work in progress Scheduled: Winter 2026/27 Departments: Department for Transport

Found: Department for Transport 2025-26

Found: Department for Transport 2025-26

Found: Protection Act 1949 (CPA) in relation to offshore oil and gas operations on behalf of the Department for Transport

Found: Protection Act 1949 (CPA) in relation to offshore oil and gas operations on behalf of the Department for Transport

Found: Protection Act 1949 (CPA) in relation to offshore oil and gas operations on behalf of the Department for Transport

Found: Protection Act 1949 (CPA) in relation to offshore oil and gas operations on behalf of the Department for Transport

Found: Key departments such as the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Business, Energy and

Found: Ministry of Defence – Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations Procedure v6 19 The Department for Transport

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Found: Protection Act 1949 (CPA) in relation to offshore oil and gas operations on behalf of the Department for Transport

Found: Protection Act 1949 (CPA) in relation to offshore oil and gas operations on behalf of the Department for Transport

Found: Protection Act 1949 (CPA) in relation to offshore oil and gas operations on behalf of the Department for Transport

Found: Hythe,Shore Road, Hythe SOUTHAMPTON United Kingdom SO45 6ZD Central Government 10002368 Department for Transport

Found: Hythe,Shore Road, Hythe SOUTHAMPTON United Kingdom SO45 6ZD Central Government 10002368 Department for Transport

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Found: On promotion I moved to DfT as a Director on HS2 and then moved level onto my current role.

Found: If you disagree with this decision you can make an appeal to the Department for Transport (DfT) within

Found: I am pleased to inform the House of the joint publication by my department and DfT Operator Limited (

Found: accordingly; “MCA” means the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the executive agency of the Department for Transport

Found: accordingly; “MCA” means the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the executive agency of the Department for Transport

Found: Rail Accident Report This report is published by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, Department for Transport

Found: Source: Department for Transport, RAIB 2026 1B67 WH356 WH492 Bedford South Junction LondonDown Fast

Found: It was commissioned by Active Travel England and the Department for Transport (DfT) to support future

Found: London: DfT. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycle-infrastructure-design- ltn-120 Department

Found: Crown copyright 2026 ISSN 0309-4278 Published by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, Department for Transport

Found: Crown copyright 2026 ISSN 0309-4278 Published by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, Department for Transport

Found: Under the Better Regulation Framework, the Department for Transport is not required to submit this impact

Found: DVLA is an executive agency of the Department for Transport (DfT) and is responsible for managing the

Found: The Department for Transport has accepted our findings about the failures we have identified.

Found: DfT have also frozen regulated fares in England and Wales from March 2025 for 12 months.

Found: DfT have also frozen regulated fares in England and Wales from March 2025 for 12 months.

Found: DfT have also frozen regulated fares in England and Wales from March 2025 for 12 months.

Found: DfT have also frozen regulated fares in England and Wales from March 2025 for 12 months.

Found: This is given weight by a recent report from the Department for Transport, carried out by NatCen.

Found: and industry’s plans for workforce reskilling and delivering a just transition for 10 Department for Transport

Found: Enhancements are separately funded by the Department for Transport (or other funders such as Welsh Government

Found: SEWTM is a DfT-compliant strategic multimodal model for the South East Wales region representing both