Written questions by Sabine.

What steps she plans to take to speed up the process of DVLA reviewing license renewal following medical improvement.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) online services are the quickest way to apply for a driving licence and drivers with diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, visual impairments, sleep conditions or heart conditions can renew their driving licence online. The DVLA has also introduced a simplified licence renewal process for drivers with multiple sclerosis, some mental health conditions and glaucoma. This has significantly reduced the need for the DVLA to seek further information from medical professionals and enabled more licensing decisions to be made based on the information provided by the driver. The DVLA is continuing to make improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions and is introducing a new strategic system to process cases. This will provide better services for customers and allow straightforward applications to be processed more quickly. In the 2024/25 financial year, the average time taken to make a licensing decision in cases where a medical condition must be investigated before a licence can be issued was 44 working days, a reduction from 56 working days in the previous financial year. Driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated before a licence can be issued can sometimes take longer depending on the medical condition or conditions being investigated. The DVLA is also often reliant on receiving information from third parties, for example doctors or other healthcare professionals, before a decision can be made on whether to issue a licence. Most applicants renewing an existing licence will be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing the driver can meet specific criteria.

What assessment she has made of trends in the level of delays between people being confirmed medically fit and getting their driving licenses back by the DVLA.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) online services are the quickest way to apply for a driving licence and drivers with diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, visual impairments, sleep conditions or heart conditions can renew their driving licence online. The DVLA has also introduced a simplified licence renewal process for drivers with multiple sclerosis, some mental health conditions and glaucoma. This has significantly reduced the need for the DVLA to seek further information from medical professionals and enabled more licensing decisions to be made based on the information provided by the driver. The DVLA is continuing to make improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions and is introducing a new strategic system to process cases. This will provide better services for customers and allow straightforward applications to be processed more quickly. In the 2024/25 financial year, the average time taken to make a licensing decision in cases where a medical condition must be investigated before a licence can be issued was 44 working days, a reduction from 56 working days in the previous financial year. Driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated before a licence can be issued can sometimes take longer depending on the medical condition or conditions being investigated. The DVLA is also often reliant on receiving information from third parties, for example doctors or other healthcare professionals, before a decision can be made on whether to issue a licence. Most applicants renewing an existing licence will be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing the driver can meet specific criteria.

What the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time was for a practical driving test in Somerset in each of the last five years, by driving test centre

The table below shows the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time for a practical driving test in each of the last five years, by driving test centre (DTC) in Somerset.Somerset Taunton2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25 Average10.916.716.816.521.9 Longest18.023.524.024.024.0 Yeovil2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25 Average12.315.716.620.822.5 Longest18.018.824.024.024.0 Weston Super Mare2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average9.69.116.220.521.0Longest18.014.223.824.024.0 The table below shows the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time for a practical driving test in each of the last five years, by DTC in Wiltshire. Wiltshire Chippenham2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average9.010.716.722.024.0Longest16.524.024.024.024.0Salisbury2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average10.112.910.516.921.7Longest17.824.024.024.024.0Trowbridge2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average15.39.911.814.216.6Longest18.021.024.024.024.0 Swindon MPTC2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25 Average11.213.718.823.524.0 Longest18.023.824.024.024.0 Please note that the maximum waiting time until the middle of 2021 was 18 weeks. The maximum waiting time since then has been 24 weeks.

What the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time was for a practical driving test in Wiltshire, by driving test centre in each of the last five years.

The table below shows the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time for a practical driving test in each of the last five years, by driving test centre (DTC) in Somerset.Somerset Taunton2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25 Average10.916.716.816.521.9 Longest18.023.524.024.024.0 Yeovil2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25 Average12.315.716.620.822.5 Longest18.018.824.024.024.0 Weston Super Mare2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average9.69.116.220.521.0Longest18.014.223.824.024.0 The table below shows the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time for a practical driving test in each of the last five years, by DTC in Wiltshire. Wiltshire Chippenham2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average9.010.716.722.024.0Longest16.524.024.024.024.0Salisbury2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average10.112.910.516.921.7Longest17.824.024.024.024.0Trowbridge2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average15.39.911.814.216.6Longest18.021.024.024.024.0 Swindon MPTC2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25 Average11.213.718.823.524.0 Longest18.023.824.024.024.0 Please note that the maximum waiting time until the middle of 2021 was 18 weeks. The maximum waiting time since then has been 24 weeks.

What the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time was for (i) theory and (ii) practical driving tests in Somerset in the last five years.

The table below shows the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time for car practical driving tests, at driving test centres (DTCs) in Wiltshire, for the last ten financial years.Driving test wait times (weeks) WiltshireFinancial Year2015/162016/172017/182018/192019/202020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average9.99.18.48.49.211.311.815.319.021.6Longest11.113.59.89.911.916.815.619.423.624.0 The table below shows the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time for car practical driving tests, at DTCs in Somerset, for the last five financial years. Driving test wait times (weeks) SomersetFinancial Year2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average10.813.916.519.121.8Longest18.015.621.924.024.0 The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Somerset for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* Financial yearAverage wait time2021/22 (from Sept 2021)34.6 days2022/2324.6 days2023/2420.6 days2024/2523.2 days The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to today) for theory tests is 24.1 days. *Please note, The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) only hold data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays.

What the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time was for a driving test in Wiltshire in each of the last ten years.

The table below shows the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time for car practical driving tests, at driving test centres (DTCs) in Wiltshire, for the last ten financial years.Driving test wait times (weeks) WiltshireFinancial Year2015/162016/172017/182018/192019/202020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average9.99.18.48.49.211.311.815.319.021.6Longest11.113.59.89.911.916.815.619.423.624.0 The table below shows the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time for car practical driving tests, at DTCs in Somerset, for the last five financial years. Driving test wait times (weeks) SomersetFinancial Year2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25Average10.813.916.519.121.8Longest18.015.621.924.024.0 The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Somerset for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* Financial yearAverage wait time2021/22 (from Sept 2021)34.6 days2022/2324.6 days2023/2420.6 days2024/2523.2 days The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to today) for theory tests is 24.1 days. *Please note, The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) only hold data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays.

What steps she is taking to support the introduction of the School Streets scheme.

Active Travel England and the Department for Transport have jointly published School Streets guidance to enable local authorities to deliver effective School Streets. Local authorities can use active travel revenue and capital funding to deliver School Streets, with more than 180 school streets already funded by Active Travel England. School Streets are one of a range of measures that local authorities can deliver to make it safer and easier for children to walk, wheel and cycle to school. Other interventions supported by Active Travel England include infrastructure improvements on school routes and training and engagement activities such as Bikeability cycle training and Living Streets Walk to School Outreach programme.

What assessment she has made of the (a) financial and (b) time impact of the deferred electrification between Bristol and Chippenham on commuters.

Electrification of the line between Bristol Temple Meads and Chippenham was deferred in 2016. Passengers on this line are benefiting from the bi-mode rolling stock introduced in 2019 which are delivering faster and more reliable end to end journeys. No subsequent assessment has been made since the deferral of electrification on this line.

What progress her Department has made on the electrification of the line between Bristol and Chippenham.

Passengers using the line between Bristol Temple Meads and Chippenham are benefiting from the bi-mode rolling stock introduced in 2019 as part of the Great Western Route Modernisation programme. These trains are delivering faster and more reliable end to end journeys for passengers.

Whether she plans to reduce the number of HGV using small rural roads.

Local authorities have powers under Sections 1 & 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to restrict or prohibit the use of HGVs on any road, for a wide range of safety and environmental reasons. These measures can be implemented by making Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) without reference to the Department for Transport.The council can then use signs outlined in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 and work with the police to enforce the restrictions.Non-complaint vehicle operators or drivers can be reported to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). DVSA has the power to make a referral to the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain, who are responsible for the licensing and regulation of those who operate heavy goods vehicles.

What plans she has to require HGV drivers to use HGV-specific satellite navigation systems.

There is currently no legal requirement for drivers of any vehicle to have or use satellite navigation equipment. It is important that HGV drivers do not use satellite navigation equipment designed for cars as they may be directed on routes that are unsuitable for the size and weight of their vehicle.While these systems can be useful, they cannot replace a driver’s knowledge or skill, especially in the case of diversions due to road traffic collisions or roadworks. Therefore, the Government has no plans to mandate their use.

What steps she is taking to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions from aviation.

The Government is supporting a wide range of measures to decarbonise aviation. In January, we implemented a sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) mandate to generate demand and have committed to introduce a Revenue Certainty Mechanism to spur investment in UK SAF production.In addition, the Government is committed to delivering a fully modernised UK airspace, resulting in journeys that are cleaner, quicker and quieter. We are also supporting the development of new low and zero carbon emission aircraft technology through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme, with nearly £1bn of additional funding announced in October.

Whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of a third runway at Heathrow on the environment.

The Government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once proposals have been received, the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement, which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow. The government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of a third runway at Heathrow on carbon emissions.

The Government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once proposals have been received, the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement, which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow. The government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.

With reference to paragraph 4.69 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC 295, how she plans to use the additional funding for cycling and walking infrastructure in the 2025-26 financial year.

At the Budget we announced an additional £100 million investment in cycling and walking infrastructure to support local authorities. Final allocations for active travel investment in 2025/26 will be decided as part of the Department for Transport business planning process, which is expected to conclude shortly.

What steps her Department is taking to help tackle road traffic accidents in rural areas.

The safety of our roads is an absolute priority for this Government and will support our health mission. Since the general election, the Department has begun work on a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. We will set out next steps on this in due course.

What steps National Highways takes with other road agencies to help ensure there is minimal disruption when there are roadworks.

National Highways work in collaboration with Local Highway Authorities (LHA) to minimise disruption to motorists during roadworks, this includes seeking agreement from LHAs for suitable diversion routes. For longer-term works, National Highways engage with LHAs as well as other key parties to ensure that stakeholders directly affected by roadworks are consulted and their views considered in plans, and if necessary, diversion routes revised. During major closures, National Highways’ National Traffic Operations Centre will use its network of electronic roadside variable message signs (VMS) to tell motorists of any adverse impact. Using this strategic information signing, National Highways will endeavour to keep traffic upon its own network so as not to overwhelm local roads.

What steps her Department is taking to (a) increase access to and (b) otherwise improve bus routes in rural areas.

The government knows that Britain needs a modern transport network to help kickstart economic growth. Good local bus services are an essential part of prosperous and sustainable communities. As announced in the King’s Speech on 17 July 2024, the government will introduce a Buses Bill later this session. This will put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, ensuring networks meet the needs of the communities who rely on them, including in rural areas.The Bill will increase powers available to local leaders to choose the model that works best in their area, whether that be franchising, high-quality partnerships with private operators or local authority ownership. The Department is currently working to consider and determine the exact scope of the Buses Bill.We also plan to empower local transport authorities through reforming bus funding. By giving local leaders more control and flexibility over bus funding so they can plan ahead to deliver their local transport priorities. The Department will work closely with local leaders and bus operators to deliver on the government’s ambitions.

What steps she is taking to support people not eligible for the Cycle to Work Scheme to buy a bicycle.

The Department is aware that many people are unable to access the Cycle to Work scheme, including the self-employed and those who are retired, on low incomes, or not in employment. The Department will continue to consider ways of addressing this as part of its future plans for active travel.