Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of emissions produced by private jets on the UK's ability to reach its net zero target.
Answered by Jesse Norman
The Department for Transport’s Jet Zero Strategy shows that the sector can achieve net zero aviation, which includes business aviation, by 2050 without government intervention to limit aviation growth. To support this the Department for Transport recently published independent research to establish a baseline of carbon emissions emitted by the General Aviation (GA) sector, which included private jets. It highlighted the need for the sector to focus on new fuels and technology, which have economic and social benefits, without limiting demand.
Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much of the Access for All funding has been allocated; and if he will make it his policy to provide funding to improve accessibility at Erith station.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
We are assessing over 300 nominations for Access for All funding for the period 2024-29, including a nomination for Erith station. If successful, the funding will create an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to platforms. We hope to be in a position to announce successful nominations later this year.
Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of train stations to disabled people in (a) London and (b) Erith and Thamesmead constituency.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
We are committed to ensuring disabled passengers, including visually impaired people, can use public transport confidently. The Department for Transport recently completed an accessibility audit of all 2,577 stations including in London and the Erith and Thamesmead constituency.
Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department held discussions with Southeastern on ticket office closures before 1 December 2022.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Department has regular meetings with Southeastern, as it does with all train operating companies, to discuss a wide range of topics. Southeastern’s proposals around ticket offices, like those of the rest of the industry’s, represent a real opportunity to update and improve the way they deliver for today’s customers in the most efficient and effective way.
Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to help support (a) blind and (b) other people to purchase rail tickets following the closure of ticket offices.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
When proposing major changes to ticket office opening hours, including closures, operators are required to take into account the adequacy of the proposed alternatives in relation to the needs of passengers who are disabled; and to include this in the notice of the proposal sent to other operators and passenger groups. We would also expect operators to consider other equality related needs and make this clear in their consultation.
No currently staffed station will be unstaffed as a result of industry changes, and train operators will ensure staff are well located to meet passenger needs in future. This will include assisting those who need additional support and cannot or do not want to use digital tickets.
Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of rail ticket office closures on the accessibility of railway travel for (a) elderly and (b) disabled people.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
When proposing major changes to ticket office opening hours, including closures, operators are required to take into account the adequacy of the proposed alternatives in relation to the needs of passengers who are disabled; and to include this in the notice of the proposal sent to other operators and passenger groups. We would also expect operators to consider other equality related needs and make this clear in their consultation.
We recognise that many passengers value the services provided by staff at ticket offices and the Department recently hosted roundtable discussions with industry and accessibility and transport groups to discuss this matter. We continue to engage with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee.
No currently staffed station will be unstaffed as a result of industry changes, and train operators will ensure staff are well located to meet passenger needs in future. This will include assisting those who need additional support and cannot or do not want to use digital tickets.
Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of ticket office closures on job security at Southeastern.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The rail industry will work to avoid compulsory redundancies by redeploying existing staff and offering voluntary redundancy for those who do not wish to transition to a multi-skilled role. Exact arrangements will vary by train operator and station and are subject to ongoing discussions with staff and their trades union representatives.
Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential for creation of new jobs by extending the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Richard Holden - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
I refer the Member to the answer I gave to UIN 184758.
Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the impact on small and medium businesses of extending the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Richard Holden - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
Transport in London is devolved and is the responsibility of the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). This includes management of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and air quality policy in London.
Asked by: Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour - Erith and Thamesmead)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made an assessment of the local economic benefits derived from extending the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Richard Holden - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
Transport in London is devolved and is the responsibility of the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). This includes management of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and air quality policy in London.