Asked by: Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative - North East Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the proposed statutory guidance on the implementation of low traffic neighbourhoods will apply to existing trial schemes.
Answered by Guy Opperman
The Department's statutory guidance on implementing Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) will apply to new and existing LTN schemes once it is published in final form this summer. Its purpose is to set out the Department’s expectations for comprehensive local engagement; both before new schemes are implemented, and on an ongoing basis for existing schemes. This is to ensure the needs of communities and road users are properly considered.
The Department will not support LTNs unless they are designed and delivered in line with the eventual, finalised statutory guidance; and reserves the right to take further action if local authorities do not follow it.
Asked by: Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative - North East Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the (a) effectiveness of regulations on parking restrictions in residential areas and (b) the impact of those regulations on residents in Bath and North East Somerset; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Richard Holden - Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
Local traffic authorities have the power to introduce parking restrictions by implementing Traffic Regulation Orders and around 98% of local authorities have the power to undertake civil parking enforcement, including Bath and North East Somerset Council. Responsibility for traffic management and parking enforcement on local roads rests with the relevant local authority, as they are best placed to consider how local needs can be effectively met. It is entirely a matter for individual authorities to decide on the nature and scope of parking policies and to balance the needs of residents, emergency services, local businesses and those who work in and visit the areas.
Asked by: Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative - North East Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to help ensure that motorists who dispose of a vehicle are not subject to repeated police enquiries when the buyer has not returned a V5 form; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Richard Holden - Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
The person disposing of a vehicle is legally required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that they no longer have the vehicle. They are also required to provide the details of the person or company who has taken possession of the vehicle. If the person disposing of the vehicle does not inform the DVLA, their details will remain on the vehicle record and they may receive enquiries related to the vehicle.
The easiest way to inform the DVLA is to use the online service available on GOV.UK. Where a person has been contacted by the police or other authority about a vehicle for which they are no longer the keeper, they should inform the DVLA. I would be delighted to meet with you to discuss the V5 form and the transfer of vehicle ownership further.
Asked by: Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative - North East Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has received on delays and overcrowding experienced by commuters on the Great Western Railway (GWR) from Bristol to London; what steps his Department plans to take to ensure that GWR improves its service; and what mechanisms his Department has in place to scrutinise the delivery of that service against its contractual obligations.
Answered by Lord Johnson of Marylebone
The Secretary of State receives letters, Parliamentary Questions and Freedom of Information requests from MPs, Peers, stakeholders and passengers about Great Western Railway performance. Great Western Railway has agreed a change to its franchise agreement to include a new obligation to implement a performance improvement plan. The plan includes a wide range of activities across the whole franchise area to improve performance for passengers. Ministers have discussed GWR performance with senior representative from FirstGroup. Officials meet Great Western Railway regularly to discuss progress on the plan.
Asked by: Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative - North East Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's preparations for the UK leaving the EU with (a) an agreement on future partnership and (b) no agreement with the EU; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by John Hayes
Following the referendum in June 2016, the Department for Transport continues to make rigorous preparations for a range of possible outcomes from the UK's negotiations with the EU.
Asked by: Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative - North East Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the change in the level of bonuses paid to senior employees in the DVLA has been from 2012 to 2017; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by John Hayes
Pay and remuneration for senior civil servants in the Department are agreed through the central Department, including for staff in the Executive Agencies, such as DVLA.
Departments are able to use 3.3% of their senior civil service paybill for bonuses. Payments are linked to performance, and only the top 25% of senior civil service performers eligible.
Payment levels from 2012 to 2017 for the grades of senior civil service staff at the DVLA and the Department are shown in the table below:
Year | SCS1 | SCS2 |
2012 | £10,000 | £12,500 |
2013 | £10,000 | £12,500 |
2014 | £14,500 | £16,000 |
2015 | £13,500 | £15,000 |
2016 | £14,000 | £15,500 |
2017 | £14,000 | £15,500 |