Committee publication · Correspondence · 8 July 2026 · HC 83
Letter from the Secretary of State for Transport relating to follow-up evidence from 17 June 2026, dated 29 June 2026
From: Transport Committee
Summary
Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander responds to Transport Committee follow-up questions from 17 June 2026 session. The letter addresses seven areas: National Travel Survey methodology and sustainable travel strategy; Middle East crisis impact on coach operators; electric vehicle uptake data showing 2 million zero-emission vehicles licensed; Snow Hill Station platform funding timeline; HGV facilities at Lower Thames Crossing; Maritime Autonomy Sandbox regulatory framework; and Groom Court of Appeal Judgement response.
Key findings
- As of December 2025, UK had 2 million licensed zero-emission vehicles (1.74 million cars, 35% increase year-on-year); zero-emission cars represent 5.4% of all licensed cars, up from 4.1% a year earlier.
- Government extended 5p Fuel Duty freeze until 31 December 2026 to support coach operators facing Middle East crisis-driven fuel cost increases.
- Snow Hill Station detailed design work underway; outputs expected early 2027 to inform delivery funding decision.
- Lower Thames Crossing will not include rest and service area following consultation; nearest HGV facilities are Thurrock Services (M25) and Medway Services (M2), both offering 24/7 welfare facilities.
- Maritime Autonomy Sandbox period of operation 'yet to be established' and will be developed following sector engagement; sandbox designated as trailblazing opportunity in Regulating for Growth Bill.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, Ruth Cadbury MP, Blair McDougall MP, Virginia McVea, Network Rail, Maritime Coastguard Agency
Notable line
“The Department is focusing on making sustainable travel the most attractive, convenient and affordable choice for everyday journeys, rather than introducing a national mode shift target.”
Key Quotes
“As of December 2025, there were over 2 million licensed zero emission vehicles in the UK, including 1.74 million zero emission cars, a 35% increase compared to December”
“The Department is focusing on making sustainable travel the most attractive, convenient and affordable choice for everyday journeys, rather than introducing a national mode shift target.”
“… following a consultation the route was re-assessed and the rest and service area was removed. This ensures the route can be well managed, maintained and considered environmental and local community impacts.”
“The period of operation for the sandbox is yet to be established and will be developed following extensive engagement with the sector.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗