Every parliamentary written question tabled by Alex Mayer this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 181–200 of 223 · Department for Transport
What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of planning regulations on the installation of electric vehicle charge points.
The Government is committed to ensuring that planning regulations support the installation of charging infrastructure. The previous government consulted earlier this year on amending the permitted development rights for off-street electric vehicle charging points. Further announcements will be made in due course.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of revising the permitted weight limits on volumetric concrete mixers.
The Department ran a call for evidence from October to December 2023 seeking views on three potential options on weight limits for volumetric concrete mixers (VCMs). Any potential changes to the current policy position on VCM weight limits will need to consider the implications for road safety, infrastructure, the environment, and maintaining fair competition in the market. The Department is currently reviewing the outcomes and will publish its findings in due course.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of permitted weight limits on volumetric concrete mixers on trends in the levels of carbon emissions.
The Department ran a call for evidence from October to December 2023 seeking views on three potential options on weight limits for Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs). Evidence was provided to the Department on both the pros and cons of allowing VCMs to continue to operate at higher weights. The Department has reviewed the evidence provided and will publish its findings in due course. Any potential changes to the current policy position on VCM weight limits will need to consider the implications for road safety, infrastructure, the environment, and maintaining fair competition in the market. As part of its consideration of the evidence, the Department has assessed the potential environmental impacts in accordance with the Environment Act 2021 which requires Ministers of the Crown to have ‘due regard’ to the environmental principles policy statement when making policy.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of permitted weight limits on volumetric concrete mixers on the financial sustainability of the haulage industry.
The Department ran a call for evidence from October to December 2023 seeking views on three potential options on weight limits for volumetric concrete mixers (VCMs). Any potential changes to the current policy position on VCM weight limits will need to consider the implications for maintaining fair competition in the market. No formal impact assessment was produced, as the costs implied were estimated to be below the threshold at which this is considered proportionate. The Department is currently reviewing the outcomes and will publish its findings in due course.
How many buses funded through the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme are UK-manufactured.
UK-based bus manufacturers have benefited the most from the Department’s funding programmes, such as ZEBRA. It is estimated that 60% of ZEBRA-supported buses will be procured from UK-based manufacturers, supporting economic growth and jobs across the zero-carbon transport industry. The transition to zero emission buses represents a great opportunity for UK bus manufacturers, both to supply the zero emission buses needed here in the UK and to win export orders abroad as other countries upgrade their bus fleets.
With reference to the Prime Minister's National Statement at COP29 on 12 November 2024, whether she plans to revise her Department’s emission target following the Government's announcement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels by 2035.
The UK’s ambitious and credible Nationally Determined Contribution target for 2035 is consistent with the effort required to deliver the existing Sixth Carbon Budget (2033-37). The Department is committed to delivering greener transport and supporting accelerating to net zero as part of the Government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.
What steps she is taking to support multi-modal interchanges at (a) HS2 Euston Station and (b) all other new stations.
The Department for Transport is working with key partners to develop affordable plans for the Euston Station Campus, which will comprise the new HS2 station, an upgraded Network Rail station, and enhancements to the London Underground station and local transport facilities along with a significant level of development. The ease of interchange for passengers will always be a critical consideration. At Old Oak Common, the new HS2 station will provide connectivity with Elizabeth Line, Heathrow Express and Great Western Railway services within the station itself. This will be supported by connections for buses, private hire vehicles and active travel routes outside the station building. At Birmingham Curzon Street, the Department is working with HS2 Ltd and Transport for West Midlands on the integration of the Birmingham Eastside metro extension at the HS2 station. There will also be provision for bus stops, active travel routes, and bicycle storage. At Interchange station, HS2 will construct an Automated People Mover which will connect the station to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham International railway station and Birmingham Airport. The design for the station also incorporates a bus interchange, short and long stay car parking, bicycle storage, and a network of active travel routes.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reintroducing electric vehicle purchase grants for private owners.
The Government already provides support for private owners looking to purchase zero emission vehicles, including generous taxation incentives and Plug-in Vehicle Grants for specific types of vehicles. In the recent Budget, the Government announced £120m of new funding for next financial year to support the purchase of new electric vans via the Plug-in Van Grant and to support the manufacture of wheelchair accessible EVs.
What assessment the Department has made of the level of passenger brand awareness of franchised rail operators.
The Department has not assessed the level of passenger brand awareness of franchised rail operators. The operating companies periodically test their own brand awareness as part of their own market research, but this information is not shared with the Department, nor is this research routinely conducted on a frequent basis.
What discussions she has had with TFL on the location of the bus station at Euston station.
The Department for Transport is working with key partners, including Transport for London, to develop affordable plans for the Euston Station Campus.
How many buses funded through the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme (a) have been ordered and (b) are on the road.
Of the 2,263 buses funded through the ZEBRA 1 and 2 programmes 1,674 buses have been ordered (1,025 - ZEBRA 1 & 649 ZEBRA 2) whilst there are currently 582 ZEBs in service.
If her Department will publish the formula used to determine the final allocations for bus service improvement plan funding for local transport authorities for 2025-26.
The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Central Bedfordshire Council has been allocated £3 million of this funding. Funding for local authorities to deliver their bus service improvement plans has been allocated based on local needs, including population, the distance that buses travel, and levels of deprivation.
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a national standards for bus stops in England and Wales.
The design of bus stations and stops can have a significant impact on the ability and willingness of people to use bus services. The Department has provided advice on the provision of bus stops in Local Transport Note 1/24, Bus User Priority, and further guidance on accessible bus stop design in the Inclusive Mobility document.It is the responsibility of local authorities to install and update facilities such as bus stops, and they should ensure that this reflects best practice in accessibility and safety, while being mindful of their duties under the Equality Act 2010.Transport in Wales is a devolved issue. The Welsh Government is responsible for setting strategic transport policies and priorities.
Whether the Network Rail regions will be redrawn.
There are no plans to change Network Rail’s existing structures.We expect to introduce the legislation to create Great British Railways (GBR) and enable transformation of the rail sector later in this parliamentary session.GBR will be a new organisation taking on Network Rail’s existing functions and train operating companies, with a new culture dedicated single-mindedly to delivering for passengers, freight customers and taxpayers. Decisions on GBR’s management structures will be made in due course.
Whether her Department is holding discussions with (a) East West Rail Company and (b) rail operators on branding for trains on East West Rail.
The Department is considering options for the branding on trains for Connection Stage One (CS1) East West Rail services between Oxford, Bletchley and Milton Keynes and is holding discussions with the relevant parties, this has included Chiltern Railways and East West Rail Company who are supporting preparations for EWR CS1 Services.
If she will publish her Department's criteria for prioritising rail routes for electrification.
Electrification will play an important role in our programme to achieve our Net Zero 2050 target. Discontinuous electrification, as well as alternative technologies such as hydrogen, battery and bi-modes will also play a part. Which rail lines will be electrified will broadly depend on the most suitable technological choice and value for money. More widely, the Transport Secretary has stated that we want to move to a vision-led approach to planning infrastructure so that transport is an engine for social mobility and economic growth.
What her Department's planned timetable is for appointing the CEO of Shadow Great British Railways.
Laura Shoaf has been appointed as Chair of Shadow Great British Railways. In this role she convenes the leaders of Network Rail, DfT’s Operator of Last Resort and DfT’s Rail Services Group who maintain their existing accountabilities.As Shadow Great British Railways is not an organisation in its own right, there are no plans to appoint a CEO.
What assessment her Department has made of the potential use of discontinuous electrification as a means to decarbonise the rail network.
The Government expects electrification to play an important role in our programme to achieve our Net Zero 2050 target and improve the passenger experience.Overhead Line Electrification will remain the best value for money option for some lines, for example where there is high speed, high volume of passenger trains, or high freight use; but other lines may represent better value for money by electrifying less and utilising hybrid electric and battery power trains. East West Rail has recently launched a non-statutory consultation which sets out a preference for discontinuous electrification and a final decision will be informed by the consultation responses.
What steps she is taking with rail companies to help support the safety of (a) passengers and (b) rail staff during heatwaves.
Train operators are required by law to mitigate and manage the safety risks to staff and passengers associated with heatwaves. The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) recently updated its guidance in June 2023 covering the specific arrangements and measures that operators should have in place to manage hot weather. This includes communicating travel conditions to passengers, providing access to water, recognising the signs of heatstroke, and administering medical assistance where needed. Operators are also expected to manage station and train environments to maintain comfortable temperatures, which extends to upgrading air conditioning and ventilation on new rolling stock and rectifying faults with these systems quickly in the event they stop working.
What steps she is taking with bus operators to help protect the safety of (a) passengers and (b) bus staff during heatwaves.
The Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness, Equipment, Use and Certification) Regulations 1981 sets out the requirements for public service vehicles in relation to the equipment on board and vehicle specification. It makes clear that ‘adequate ventilation shall be provided for passengers and the driver without the necessity for opening any main window or windscreen’. Bus operators are required ensure their fleet complies with these regulations.