Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made on their negotiations with the government of France on driving licences; and whether negotiations will conclude next month.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The Government is making every effort to reach an understanding with France regarding long-term licence exchange arrangements for UK nationals resident in France, and vice-versa. While those discussions are ongoing, the French Government has also confirmed that UK licence holders resident in France can continue to use their UK licence until 31 December 2021, provided that it remains valid in the UK. It is not possible at this time to say when negotiations will conclude.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they provide to British nationals living in France whose UK driving licence has just expired, or is about to expire.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The Living in France guidance published on gov.uk was updated at the end of 2020 with information for UK nationals living in France who hold UK driving licences. The rules for exchanging UK licences have not yet been confirmed by the French authorities but are the subject of discussions between the UK and French Governments. We will update this page when more information is available. UK nationals are also directed to consult the guidance published by France.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of British nationals living in France who have been left without a valid driving licence since the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU; and what assessment they have made of the reasons for such licences no longer being valid.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
UK nationals who became resident in France before 1 January 2021 can continue to use their valid UK licences for a one-year period until 31 December 2021. There is no requirement imposed by France for these valid UK licences to be exchanged in this period until a reciprocal agreement is reached between the United Kingdom and France.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many certificates of entitlement (D737) have been issued since the end of the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
During January 2021, 1,368 certificates of entitlement (D737) were issued. Information is not yet available for February 2021.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a requirement that drones display a licence number on the side of the drone, clear enough to be identified through binoculars, that could be reported to the Civil Aviation Authority if users do not comply with the Drone and Model Aircraft Code.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Since the end of November 2019, operators of SUA from 250g up to 20kg need to register with the CAA and their ID number needs to be displayed on the aircraft. In most cases this will be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft. However, it is important to be proportionate, therefore in some cases the number may be contained within a compartment that can be easily accessed without using a tool.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 4 February (HL705), whether the Civil Aviation Authority’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code includes rules regarding the disturbance of wildlife; and if not, why not.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The Civil Aviation Authority’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code provides important guidance on how to fly responsibly and within the law. Point 7 of the Drone and Model Aircraft Code has a section reminding users not to fly where animals would be disturbed. Some local authorities also have Byelaws which restrict flight in places such as forests and parks to ensure that wildlife is protected.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce a requirement for those purchasing drones to be informed of the risk drones pose to nesting birds and their feeding grounds.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
While there are no current plans to require those purchasing drones to be informed specifically of the risk drones pose to nesting birds and their feeding grounds, the Government has been working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other agencies to encourage the responsible use of drones. For example, the CAA launched a website, www.dronesafe.co.uk, which serves to raise awareness of the current rules of the air and the “drone and model aircraft code” sets these out in a clear and simple way.
The CAA has also developed a competency test, which is compulsory for remote pilots flying unmanned aircraft, including drones, from 250g up to 20kg. It covers subjects such as flight restriction zones, height restrictions, registration and how close to people and buildings a drone can legally fly, as well as reminding those flying drones to be aware and considerate of their surroundings wherever they are being flown.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) what discussions they have had, and (2) what conclusions have been reached, with the EU regarding the reciprocal recognition of driving licences post-Brexit.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
In the negotiations on transport which are due to commence shortly, we will be seeking a deal to ensure the mutual recognition of UK driving licences to ensure that UK motorists can continue to drive in the EU after we have left. Such a deal is in the interests of both sides.
However, irrespective of the outcome of our negotiations, our ratification of the 1968 Vienna Convention and 1949 Geneva Convention will ensure that UK licence holders can continue to drive after exit throughout the EU and EEA using an international driving permit document if necessary.