Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test in Fareham and Waterlooville constituency.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
As set out in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) 2024/25 business plan, DVSA is beginning the process of replacing its booking system. The system has many uses including:
DVSA will start by replacing the test booking and scheduling service. This will allow better capture and meeting of customers’ requirements, including those with additional needs. DVSA will update the way it schedules tests using modern, flexible technology that makes better use of examiners’ time and reduces manual processes.
To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system.
On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025.
On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts.
DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.
The Department has no plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test.
DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.
On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport also announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce driving test waiting times across the country.
Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.
Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help prevent bots mass booking driving tests in Hampshire.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
As set out in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) 2024/25 business plan, DVSA is beginning the process of replacing its booking system. The system has many uses including:
DVSA will start by replacing the test booking and scheduling service. This will allow better capture and meeting of customers’ requirements, including those with additional needs. DVSA will update the way it schedules tests using modern, flexible technology that makes better use of examiners’ time and reduces manual processes.
To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system.
On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025.
On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts.
DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.
The Department has no plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test.
DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.
On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport also announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce driving test waiting times across the country.
Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.
Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has to modernise the booking of driving tests in Hampshire.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
As set out in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) 2024/25 business plan, DVSA is beginning the process of replacing its booking system. The system has many uses including:
DVSA will start by replacing the test booking and scheduling service. This will allow better capture and meeting of customers’ requirements, including those with additional needs. DVSA will update the way it schedules tests using modern, flexible technology that makes better use of examiners’ time and reduces manual processes.
To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system.
On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025.
On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts.
DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.
The Department has no plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test.
DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.
On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport also announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce driving test waiting times across the country.
Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.
Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to support (a) carers and (b) disabled people having free bus travel removed by Hampshire County Council.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.
The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.
Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the number of people impacted by changes to companion travel passes.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.
The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.
Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to review the companion bus pass scheme.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.
The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.
Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support her Department offers to (a) disabled people and (b) carers ineligible for the companion travel pass scheme.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.
The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.
Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of funding for the companion pass scheme.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.
The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.
Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to include improvements to connecting commuter roads in villages and towns in the road investment strategy.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Road Investment Strategy is a long-term government plan that sets out what the Department for Transport expects National Highways to deliver on England’s strategic road network of motorways and major A roads in England over a five-year period. As part of National Highways Licence, the company is expected to consider how its network integrates effectively with the local road network, that is the responsibility of the relevant local highways authority, to provide a seamless experience for road users.
Asked by: Suella Braverman (Reform UK - Fareham and Waterlooville)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department plans to take to improve road (a) services and (b) networks.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Department has set the budgets for the financial year 2025/26 as part of the Autumn Budget 2024. This allocated £4.842 billion as part of an interim settlement for National Highways for the operation, maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the strategic road network. Funding beyond this for a future Road Investment Strategy will be confirmed through the ongoing Spending Review which is due to complete in late Spring 2025.
The Government recognises the important role that motorway service areas and rest areas on the trunk A road network play in providing a safe place for road users to stop and take a short break from driving. It is for the private sector to promote and operate service areas that meet the needs of the travelling public.