Asked by: Darren Jones (Labour - Bristol North West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the suggestion of the Secretary of State for Tranport's Honorary Medical Advisory Panel that a period of up to three months driving tuition be offered prior to a visual exceptional case group 1 driving assessment.
Answered by Jesse Norman
There has been no discussion between the Secretary of State for Transport and Cabinet colleagues on this issue. However, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has adopted the Panel’s recommendation.
The DVLA’s doctors will consider each case to determine the appropriate amount of time the individual needs for training and re-familiarisation prior to the driving assessment. A provisional disability driving licence will then be issued for that period, up to a maximum of three months, to those that meet the exceptional case criteria.
Asked by: Darren Jones (Labour - Bristol North West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential change to traffic volumes in Bristol after the removal of tolls on the Severn Bridge.
Answered by Jesse Norman
Prior to the Severn Crossings consultation in 2017 the Government undertook modelling to assess the effect of the policy to continue tolling at a reduced rate and on the possible option of free-flow tolling. The modelling used a version of the M4-CAN traffic model extended to take account of the effect of changes in tolls on both the South West of England and Wales, which included estimates of wider economic effects consistent with DfT Transport Appraisal Guidance.
Removal of the tolls will mean more people will be able to afford to cross the border in both directions to seek job and trade opportunities. This will support motorists, residents and businesses across Wales and the south-west, helping rebalance the economy as part of the Industrial Strategy. These benefits are expected to be associated with an increase in traffic around the Severn and Bristol area.
The Government announced on 21 July 2017 that it was removing tolls by the end of 2018. No further modelling was undertaken by the Department for Transport on this specific option.
Asked by: Darren Jones (Labour - Bristol North West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the European Aerospace Safety Agency about the certification of aerospace technology when the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by John Hayes
The UK’s negotiations with the EU are currently focused on the withdrawal agreement. As part of the future relationship negotiations the Government will address how best to continue cooperation in the field of aviation safety and standards.
The Government is considering carefully all the potential implications arising from the UK’s exit from the EU, including the implications for continued or discontinued participation in the European Aviation Safety Agency.