Written questions by Shelbrooke.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of heavier vehicles on the durability of materials used in the repair of road potholes.

The Government recognises that heavier vehicles can accelerate road surface wear. While the Department has not undertaken a specific assessment of this effect, we are actively considering the implications of greater numbers of zero emission heavy goods vehicles on UK roads, including the potential for additional road wear. The main guidance for local highway authorities on asset management is the Code of Practice for Well-Managed Highways Infrastructure, published by the UK Roads Leadership Group and funded by the Department for Transport. The guidance, sets out a national framework for how local highway authorities should manage their networks using a risk-based, evidence-led approach, taking account of current and expected highways usage. The Department is currently reviewing the Code of Practice, including to ensure it considers the implications of heavier vehicles on road maintenance. An updated version will be published by the end of this year. In addition, through the £30 million Live Labs 2 programme, the Department is helping local authorities trial innovative approaches to road maintenance, including the use of more durable materials for resurfacing.

If he will amend schedule 14 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 to allow the hospitality sector to advertise on rural roads.

The Department has no plans to make changes to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions to allow for the hospitality sector to advertise on rural roads.

What steps her Department is taking to help tackle bus vandalism.

The government is committed to improving bus services so they are more inclusive and enable all passengers to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. As announced in the King’s Speech, the government will introduce a new Buses Bill later in this parl...

What steps her Department is taking to tackle rail vandalism.

The British Transport Police (BTP) are responsible for policing the rail network in Great Britain and tackling rail vandalism is a priority for them given it is a key factor in causing disruption on the railways. The BTP use the 10 principles of crime pre...

Whether she plans to (a) reduce the scope and (b) delay the delivery of the Transpennine Route Upgrade project.

The design and delivery of the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme is proceeding rapidly, with no current plans for changing its scope.

What progress she has made on the new headquarters for Great British Railways in Derby.

Work to develop options for a HQ location is under way. Derby City Council and other industry partners are involved in a continuing dialogue to set out the vision for the HQ and the sector within Derby, bringing high-skilled jobs to a city already brimmin...

What discussions she has had with the Mayor of Manchester on the relocation of Trafford Park Rail Freight Terminal.

The Government recognises the economic and environmental potential of rail freight is significant and is fully committed to supporting its growth. No discussions have taken place with the Mayor of Manchester about the relocation of Trafford Park Rail Frei...

Whether she has had discussions with Northern rail on fare prosecutions.

The Secretary of State has made clear she expects all operators to ensure their policy on ticketing is clear and fair for passengers at all times. Ticketing has become far too complicated, which is why we plan to simplify it as part of the biggest overhau...

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 8237 on Buses: Greater London, what information her Department holds on the number and proportion of buses operating in the UK which were made in the UK.

The Department does not hold information on the number or proportion of buses operating in the UK that were made in the UK.

When the temporary pause in constructing the White Rose railway station in Leeds will end.

We understand that the scheme promotor is seeking to resolve legal and commercial processes with the Principal Contractor. These processes are expected to be concluded by the end of this calendar year, with a view to re-mobilising site works early 2025.

With reference to the Office for Rail and Road’s annual UK rail industry assessment, published on 19 July, what steps her Department is taking to ensure Network Rail delivers its performance improvement plan for Wales and the Western region by 31 August.

Improving performance on the railway is a key priority, and the Rail Minister is expecting to meet Network Rail and Great Western Railway this month to discuss performance on these routes. Following the launch of Network Rail’s £140m performance improvement plan, we are starting to see improvements in performance, and we expect more in the coming months. We understand Network Rail delivered a final plan to the Office for Rail & Road by 31 August.

What information she holds on the number of train journeys that were cancelled across the rail network as a direct result of crew shortage on 14 July.

The Department does not hold the requested data concerning journey cancellations on 14 July 2024 directly due to crew shortages.

What discussions she has had with train operators on disruption to (a) services and (b) timetables following the worldwide IT outage on 19 July 2024.

My officials were in touch with ToCs at the time. As the Minister (Ellie Reeves, Minister without Portfolio) said in her statement to the House of Commons on Monday 22 July, the transport sector will review its response and implement any learnings. The Cabinet Office has led a review of the incident, identifying lessons. The Department has engaged with this process and will implement recommendations with the transport sector, including the rail industry and train operating companies, as appropriate.

Whether she plans for the Pay As You Go train ticketing pilots for (a) Greater Manchester and (b) the West Midlands to begin in 2025.

This Government remains committed to making ticketing simpler and more flexible for passengers and to working with local authorities to support integrated transport plans in their areas. Following the announcement in February that Pay As You Go (PAYG) pilots would be launched in 2025, we have been working closely with Transport for the West Midlands, the West Midlands Rail Executive, Transport for Greater Manchester and train operators to finalise delivery plans for the PAYG pilots including launch dates.

Whether the Better Buses Bill will regulate the prices paid by (a) mayoral, (b) combined and (c) local authorities to purchase bus (i) fleets and (ii) depots from private operators.

As announced in the King’s Speech, the government will introduce a Buses Bill to put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England. The Bill aims to ensure networks can meet the needs of the communities who rely on them and encourage passengers back onto buses. The Department is currently working at pace to consider and determine the exact scope of the Buses Bill.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of parked cars causing blockages outside bus stations on levels of delays to regional bus networks.

98% of local authorities have civil enforcement powers in relation to parking and are responsible for enforcement on the roads within their authority. Local authorities have powers to implement a range of parking restrictions on their networks and are responsible for deciding what restrictions may be necessary.

What steps her Department is taking with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to help protect bus (a) stock, (b) drivers and (c) passengers following the arson attack on a bus in Harehills on 18 July 2024.

The Department for Transport works closely with the bus and coach sector to advise them on protective security issues, and in 2018 published best practice guidance to advise the sector on security measures to protect against acts of violence. The guidance is available to view on GOV.UK at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/875547/bus-and-coach-security-recommended-best-practice.pdf. The Department is currently in the process of updating this guidance, working in partnership with industry, and expects to publish an enhanced document later this year.

What steps her Department is taking to help West Yorkshire Combined Authority reopen Bradford Interchange’s bus station.

Local authorities, rather than central government, are responsible for the bus stops and shelters in their area. Any decisions regarding the reopening of Bradford Interchange bus station are for West Yorkshire Combined Authority to make.

If she will continue to fund improvements to the Rocket junction Liverpool-M62 junction 4/A58 project.

The Chancellor set out on 29 July a range of pressures on public spending, including £2.9 billion of unfunded transport specific spending. Following this, the Secretary of State’s Written Ministerial Statement on 30 July set out that the Department is undertaking an internal review of its capital spend portfolio which will support the development of our new long-term strategy for transport. Any decisions about the portfolio will be subject to broader discussions and fiscal decisions made at Budget and Spending Review.

If she will continue to fund improvements to the Kendal Northern Access route.

The Chancellor set out on 29 July a range of pressures on public spending, including £2.9 billion of unfunded transport specific spending. Following this, the Secretary of State’s Written Ministerial Statement on 30 July set out that the Department is undertaking an internal review of its capital spend portfolio which will support the development of our new long-term strategy for transport. Any decisions about the portfolio will be subject to broader discussions and fiscal decisions made at Budget and Spending Review.