Asked by: Martin Whitfield (Labour - East Lothian)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Government plans to respond to the Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information consultation.
Answered by Nusrat Ghani
The Government understands the importance of accessible on-board information in helping bus passengers to travel with confidence, and in Summer 2018 published a public consultation on proposals to require its provision on local bus services throughout Great Britain.
We continue to analyse responses to the consultation and expect to announce our next steps regarding the making of Regulations and publication of guidance later in the year.
Asked by: Martin Whitfield (Labour - East Lothian)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to ensure that (a) British blue badge holders continue to receive the parking concessions that they are entitled to in EU and EFTA member states and (b) EU and EFTA members state citizens who hold blue badges continue to receive the parking concessions that they are entitled to in the UK in the event that the UK leaves the EU on or before 31 October 2019.
Answered by Lord Grayling
The Government is considering all the potential implications arising from the UK’s exit from the EU, including the implications for the continued recognition of Blue Badges. Whilst we are confident of agreeing continued mutual recognition, as this would be in the interest of both the UK and the EU, the negotiation of the arrangements for our exit from the EU are ongoing and no decisions on this topic have yet been taken.
Asked by: Martin Whitfield (Labour - East Lothian)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations Act to reduce the maximum glare permitted by automobile headlights.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Regulations are already in place to help prevent headlights from causing glare, and there are no plans to change national law.
Before vehicles can be sold or registered in the United Kingdom manufacturers must ensure compliance with international vehicle approval requirements, which include defined beam patterns and intensities to minimise the occurrence of glare. The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 prohibit the use of headlights that can cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other road users. Vehicle users have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are maintained correctly, and headlight aim is checked at the annual roadworthiness inspection (MOT test) to ensure it is within acceptable limits.
Asked by: Martin Whitfield (Labour - East Lothian)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has had discussions with the Cross Country train-operating company on overcrowding on its services; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Andrew Jones
My officials meet regularly with Cross Country to discuss a range of issues including crowding on trains. Currently, there is no suitable rolling stock available that could be used on this franchise to alleviate the services which suffer overcrowding. We are, however, working with Cross Country to see what other opportunities might exist to reduce overcrowding.