Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she has taken to prevent the loss of driving licence entitlements during DVLA system updates, and how frequently these measures are reviewed for effectiveness.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Updates to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) systems are rigorously planned and assessed so that impacts and risks are understood.
The DVLA has recorded 176 instances where drivers claimed they were missing entitlement between 2020 and 2024. These mainly relate back to when the DVLA was established and driving records were computerised. The DVLA undertakes a full investigation in each case including a search of existing and archived records. If no information is held, the driver will be asked to supply any information they may have to evidence previous entitlement.
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many instances of missing driving licence entitlements have been reported to the DVLA in the last five years; and what steps she has taken to help tackle these cases.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Updates to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) systems are rigorously planned and assessed so that impacts and risks are understood.
The DVLA has recorded 176 instances where drivers claimed they were missing entitlement between 2020 and 2024. These mainly relate back to when the DVLA was established and driving records were computerised. The DVLA undertakes a full investigation in each case including a search of existing and archived records. If no information is held, the driver will be asked to supply any information they may have to evidence previous entitlement.
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department will provide funding to Dorset Council to improve parking facilities at Dorchester South station.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
This Government recognises the importance of sufficient parking provision at railway stations. Decisions on specific projects are a matter for the relevant local authority. However, we have recently announced that Dorset Council will receive nearly £2 million as part of the Integrated Transport Block which can be used to support a wide variety of schemes and make transport more accessible. In addition, the Council has been allocated over £3.8 million to make improvements to their local bus services. This funding gives Local Authorities an opportunity to consider whether it would be viable to integrate public transport provision with local railway stations, offering an alternative mode of transport for people to travel to those locations.
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions her Department has had with equestrian organisations on improving (a) infrastructure and (b) safety measures for horse riders on rural roads.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
This Government is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads and my Department works with a broad range of stakeholders, including the British Horse Society, to help us achieve our aim.
In 2022, The Highway Code was updated to improve the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable. Key changes included the introduction of a Hierarchy of Road Users, which ensures that those who do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat that they pose to others, along with the strengthening of guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse-riders.
THINK!, the Government's flagship road safety campaign, plays an important role in raising awareness of, and encouraging compliance with, new road safety legislation. This includes the recent changes to The Highway Code. THINK!, ran campaigns to alert road users of the changes as they came into effect, and broader behaviour campaigns to encourage understanding and uptake of the guidance. Results from the last campaign showed that by September 2023, 93% of drivers agreed it was their responsibility to give space to vulnerable road users. We will continue to promote The Highway Code changes on THINK! and DfT social media channels and via our partner organisations.
Local authorities are responsible for road safety on the local road network. Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 puts a 'statutory duty' on local authorities to provide a safe local road network. This includes road construction, accident investigation and analysis, traffic calming and setting speed limits.
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to issue (a) further guidance or (b) an awareness campaign to drivers on how to safely share the road with horse riders.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
This Government is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads and my Department works with a broad range of stakeholders, including the British Horse Society, to help us achieve our aim.
In 2022, The Highway Code was updated to improve the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable. Key changes included the introduction of a Hierarchy of Road Users, which ensures that those who do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat that they pose to others, along with the strengthening of guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse-riders.
THINK!, the Government's flagship road safety campaign, plays an important role in raising awareness of, and encouraging compliance with, new road safety legislation. This includes the recent changes to The Highway Code. THINK!, ran campaigns to alert road users of the changes as they came into effect, and broader behaviour campaigns to encourage understanding and uptake of the guidance. Results from the last campaign showed that by September 2023, 93% of drivers agreed it was their responsibility to give space to vulnerable road users. We will continue to promote The Highway Code changes on THINK! and DfT social media channels and via our partner organisations.
Local authorities are responsible for road safety on the local road network. Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 puts a 'statutory duty' on local authorities to provide a safe local road network. This includes road construction, accident investigation and analysis, traffic calming and setting speed limits.
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of recent changes to the Highway Code at improving safety outcomes for horse riders.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
This Government is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads and my Department works with a broad range of stakeholders, including the British Horse Society, to help us achieve our aim.
In 2022, The Highway Code was updated to improve the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable. Key changes included the introduction of a Hierarchy of Road Users, which ensures that those who do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat that they pose to others, along with the strengthening of guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse-riders.
THINK!, the Government's flagship road safety campaign, plays an important role in raising awareness of, and encouraging compliance with, new road safety legislation. This includes the recent changes to The Highway Code. THINK!, ran campaigns to alert road users of the changes as they came into effect, and broader behaviour campaigns to encourage understanding and uptake of the guidance. Results from the last campaign showed that by September 2023, 93% of drivers agreed it was their responsibility to give space to vulnerable road users. We will continue to promote The Highway Code changes on THINK! and DfT social media channels and via our partner organisations.
Local authorities are responsible for road safety on the local road network. Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 puts a 'statutory duty' on local authorities to provide a safe local road network. This includes road construction, accident investigation and analysis, traffic calming and setting speed limits.
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve the accessibility of (a) e-scooters, (b) e-bikes and (c) bicycles in rural areas.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government wants to make smaller, lighter vehicles an everyday transport option, including for those in rural areas where it works for their journeys.
On 28 March the Government announced to Parliament its intention to publish a third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3) following the conclusion of the Spending Review. This will allow us to say more on the long-term ambition and funding for active travel as required by the legislation. The Government will consult on the strategy, with relevant stakeholders, ahead of its publication.
The Government recognises the benefits that rental schemes can bring, especially for those who otherwise could not afford to purchase a e-scooter, cycle or e-cycle. We are giving local leaders the powers to manage schemes in their areas, to give them the confidence they need that these schemes can work for whole communities, including through tackling anti-social behaviour and poor parking.
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with Dorset Council on on-street parking around Dorchester South railway station.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Department has not had discussions with Dorset Council on this matter. Responsibility for implementing parking restrictions rests with the appropriate local authority, as they are best placed to consider how to balance the needs of residents, emergency services, local business and those who work in and visit the area. Dorset Council has civil parking enforcement powers to deal with any contraventions of their parking restrictions.
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to alleviate congestion caused by on-street parking around Dorchester South railway station.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
This Government recognises the need to ensure people can travel to and from railway stations with minimal delays. The relevant local authority is responsible for dealing with traffic management issues and these include governing on-street parking provision and restrictions. They are in the best position to determine how to manage these so that congestion can be reduced for local people as much as possible.
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of multi-year funding settlements on (a) service improvements and (b) long-term planning by South Western Railway.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government is committed to delivering a unified and simplified governance structure for the railways, alongside passenger train services under public ownership. This will provide improved services for passengers, better value for money for taxpayers and ensure decisions across infrastructure and operations are aligned. A multi-year funding settlement will better enable delivery of these outcomes. This will include on South Western Railway, following its transition to public ownership on 25th May 2025.
Officials are also developing a financial framework under which Great British Railways will be expected to operate.