Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information their Department holds on (a) the proportion of tyres procured that were re-tread tyres for (i) Department-operated and (ii) commercially contracted heavy vehicle fleets, including lorries, buses and refuse vehicles and (b) the volume of tyres procured for those fleets that were single-use imported tyres in the last 12 months; and whether such information is held centrally or by individual contractors.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero does not hold the information requested by the Rt hon Member.
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the alignment of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme with the EU scheme on the costs of the operation of passenger ferries in Great Britain.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Linking the UK Emissions Trading Scheme and EU Emissions Trading Scheme is about making life easier for operators. It should minimise the administrative burden for operators and unlock greater access to a larger market, supporting economic growth and decarbonisation. Ongoing negotiations will determine the details and extent of alignment.
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the (a) regulatory and (b) fiscal environment on the car-sharing market.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Minister for Local Transport met with the car sharing sector in November to discuss challenges, opportunities, and how Government can help create a supportive environment for car sharing services for people across the UK.
The Department is actively considering the experiences shared by stakeholders along with the wider evidence base to develop appropriate measures to support the sector.
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 11 November 2025 to Question 54870 on Parking: Fines, whether her Department holds a list of the 43 local authorities.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Effectiveness of current civil parking penalty charge levels report, which has been deposited in the Library of the House, contains the full list of the 43 local authorities.
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Road Safety Strategy, published in January 2026, whether the updated Setting Local Speed Limits guidance will encourage lower speed limits.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
Decisions on the most appropriate speed limits will continue to rest with local traffic authorities, working with the police who enforce them.
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information their Department holds on (a) the proportion of tyres procured that were re-tread tyres for (i) Department-operated and (ii) commercially contracted heavy vehicle fleets, including lorries, buses and refuse vehicles and (b) the volume of tyres procured for those fleets that were single-use imported tyres in the last 12 months; and whether such information is held centrally or by individual contractors.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
It is for bidders to submit compliant solutions to meet requirements. In accordance with the safety cases in place for our vehicles, the tyres in use are those approved by the design authority or original equipment manufacturer, which enables us to meet our obligations to ensure that the appropriate measures and controls are in place to make sure that our vehicles are safe to operate.
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will list all visits undertaken outside the UK by i.) ministers ii.) officials from her Department or it's arms length bodies, since 4 July 2024; and, for each such visit, to state (a) the number of i.) ministers ii.) officials in attendance at each visit and their grade, and (b) the total cost of the visit.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Information on overseas travel by Ministers is published quarterly and can be accessed by using the following link:
DfT: ministerial travel and meetings - GOV.UK
Information on expenses including for overseas travel by the DfT's senior officials is also published quarterly and can also be found using the following link:
DfT: senior officials’ business expenses, hospitality and meetings - GOV.UK
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress her Department has made towards commencing section 19 of the Road Safety Act 2006; what timetable she has set for introducing mandated driving instruction standards for emergency service drivers; and what recent engagement her Department has had with police, fire and ambulance services on the implementation of these measures.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Department is currently developing the package of measures required to implement S19 of the Road Safety Act 2006. This will include mandated driving instruction standards. Police, Fire and Rescue, and NHS Ambulance services are fully engaged at both chief officer level, and with their respective Driver Training Advisory Groups, which have provided expert input into the drafting of the minimum training standards. Further announcements will be made in due course.
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her Department expects to complete the (a) Manchester Route and Stations, (b) Platforming Scenarios, (c) East of Manchester Connection Scenario Study and (d) Manchester Piccadilly Integrated Study documents; and whether the Department plans to place the documents in the Library.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Northern Powerhouse Rail has been announced as a three-phase programme, with a £45bn (2025 prices) funding cap. The second phase will deliver a new route between Liverpool and Manchester, via Warrington and Manchester Airport.
The Department continues to consider developments to the route which would improve passenger and operational experience. If these are taken forward, a detailed update will be provided as part of seeking necessary consents.
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the DVSA has proposed any future changes to the driving test centre estate.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has no current plans for any future changes to the driving test centre estate.