Asked by: Darren Jones (Labour - Bristol North West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of the effect of reducing incentives for plug-in (a) hybrid and (b) electric cars on the number of purchases of those vehicles.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Based on our internal assessment, following the change in grant rates we expect sales of ultra low emission cars to continue at similar levels in 2019 to those seen this year.
Asked by: Darren Jones (Labour - Bristol North West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department holds discussions with Satnav companies on the suitability of roads for certain vehicles due weight and height restrictions.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
The Department has had no such recent discussions.
The Department is aware that manufacturers produce special satnav devices for lorries, in order to provide them with routing information appropriate to their vehicle.
The Government has invested £3 million to help create a digital road map, with one aim being to ensure traffic keeps moving efficiently and safely on suitable routes. It includes information such as road widths, which could be used in satnavs to improve the quality and accuracy of routing advice. The map is available online at: www.os.uk/highways.
Routing guidance provided by satnavs should only ever be considered as advisory. It is for individual device owners to ensure that they use their satnavs responsibly and with a proper understanding of their limitations. It is for individuals to determine the best route for their journey.
Asked by: Darren Jones (Labour - Bristol North West)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the increase in traffic in Bristol that will result from the removal of the Severn Bridge tolls.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Following the Government announcement on 21 July 2017 to abolish tolls by the end of 2018 the Government has not undertaken any further modelling on the impact of abolishing the current tolls on traffic volumes in Bristol.
Previous modelling work was undertaken on the impact of removing tolls compared to the 2014 toll level, rather than comparing specifically with toll levels either when the decision to abolish tolls was made or at the end of the concession period. That modelling also covers a different time period to the option being delivered and so there will be differences from actual impacts. That modelling did show that there would be an increase in traffic as a result of abolishing the tolls and that this would result in approximately 16,000 extra trips per day either into or out of Bristol in 2022. This is equivalent to 8,000 two-way journeys per day.
Highways England are conducting modelling work to look at the impacts of moving from the current level of tolls to no tolls at the end of the year.
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 - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
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 - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
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.