Asked by: Rupa Huq (Labour - Ealing Central and Acton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to take further steps to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points.
Answered by Trudy Harrison
In March we published Taking Charge, our ambitious strategy for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure which aims to make charging an EV easier, simpler, cheaper and more convenient than refuelling a petrol or diesel car wherever you live.
We have already changed building regulations to require chargepoint infrastructure in new homes and residential buildings. In the coming months we will be taking forward the other measures outlined in the strategy. This includes the new £450 million Local EV Infrastructure Fund which will support local authorities, working with industry, to deliver chargepoints for drivers without off-street parking. We will also be reforming our Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme to focus on renters, leaseholders and those living in flats and expanding our workplace charging scheme.
Asked by: Rupa Huq (Labour - Ealing Central and Acton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to make it mandatory for drivers to report a collision with a cat.
Answered by Trudy Harrison
The Government has made no assessment of the potential merits of introducing a legal requirement for drivers to stop and report collisions with cats. A focus for this Government is to make roads safer for all users, which will in turn reduce the risk to all animals.
Under section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, a driver is required to stop and report an accident involving specified animals including horses, cattle, asses, mules, sheep, pigs, goats or dogs, but not cats or wild animals. This requirement arises from their status as working animals rather than as domestic pets. To introduce such a measure within the provision of section 170, would require primary legislation.
Asked by: Rupa Huq (Labour - Ealing Central and Acton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has plans to introduce schemes for the funding of demand responsive transport in suburban areas.
Answered by Trudy Harrison
Our Rural Mobility Fund supports suburban demand responsive transport pilots. Bus Service Improvement Plan funding will further support such schemes.
Asked by: Rupa Huq (Labour - Ealing Central and Acton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a frequent flyer levy.
Answered by Robert Courts
Taxation is a matter for HM Treasury (HMT) which includes consideration of a frequent flyer levy.
Last year, the Government consulted on aviation tax reform and as part of this sought views on whether a frequent flyer levy could replace APD as the principal tax on the aviation sector.
Following the consultation, the Government published a response which outlined that it was minded to retain APD as the principal tax on the aviation sector.
Asked by: Rupa Huq (Labour - Ealing Central and Acton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will conduct a review of colour vision regulations for commercial pilots in the UK.
Answered by Robert Courts
The DfT and the CAA have previously considered colour vision policy and are of the view that the current policy is fit for purpose. The current tests used to establish colour vision thresholds is scientifically validated and allows for significantly more colour deficient pilots to fly compared to historical tests. The UK regime is also more liberal compared to some European states.
The government remains committed to improving UK aviation policy and ensuring the aviation sector remains diverse and inclusive. However, all our decisions are evidence-based and there is currently no evidence indicating a change in policy in this area is necessary.
Asked by: Rupa Huq (Labour - Ealing Central and Acton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on what date he plans to bring forward legislation on prohibiting Russian vessels from entering UK ports.
Answered by Robert Courts
Tuesday 1 March 2022. This was a vital measure to take in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The Government has acted decisively.