If she will consider the potential merits of reducing the drink driving limit to 9µg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.
Awaiting answer.
Every parliamentary written question tabled by Chris Evans this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–4 of 4 · Department for Transport
If she will consider the potential merits of reducing the drink driving limit to 9µg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.
Awaiting answer.
What steps her Department is taking to mitigate risks posed to public transport workers who are lone working.
The Department wants everyone to feel and be safe on the public transport network, and we are working across government and with partners, including the British Transport Police (BTP), the transport industry, and local authorities to this end. On the railways, there are robust safety arrangements in place to support staff who are operating independently and alone, whether they be track workers, station staff, train guards, or signallers, among other roles. These arrangements are mandatory due to the strong statutory safety duties that apply to operators and employers on the railway. To mitigate the risks associated with lone working, the industry is implementing various measures to improve safety and security. The BTP are the dedicated police force responsible for policing the railway in England, Scotland and Wales. Their officers patrol the network 24/7 to provide reassurance to passengers and staff and deter criminals from offending. BTP also work closely with the rail industry to encourage staff to report offences so they can take action against offenders. Reporting can be done by texting 61016, calling 0800 405040 or calling 999 in an emergency. As part of the Departmental transport commitments outlined in the recently published Action Plan of the Government's ‘Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy,’ the Department is currently exploring expanding the provision and use of CCTV on the bus network, to increase feelings of safety and reduce the length of investigations.
Whether she is planning to improve rail links between South Wales and a) Gatwick and b) Heathrow.
This Government is continuing to invest in the UK rail network at record levels, including at least £445 million of investment in the rail network in Wales announced at the Spending Review and backed up by the Prime Minister's recent endorsement of the Transport for Wales vision for the future of Welsh rail. This will support the creation of thousands of jobs, the building of new homes and improving opportunities for communities all across Wales. Since December an additional late evening service has been added on the line between Reading and Gatwick Airport allowing more opportunities for passengers from South Wales to get to the airport. In the future, passengers from South Wales may be able to change trains at the new Old Oak Common station for fast and frequent connections to Heathrow Airport once main line trains begin stopping there.
What recent discussions her Department has had with relevant stakeholders on the potential for a direct rail link between South Wales and Heathrow Airport.
The Department regularly engages with stakeholders on transport to Heathrow, in line with the Statement of Approach to engagement during the ANPS review. The Government recognises the vital role that surface access will play as part of any future expansion of Heathrow Airport. As part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), launched on 22 October 2025, we will consider the transport infrastructure required to support a third runway, including rail connectivity and mode share targets. This will include considering the impacts for travellers from different regions. The Government has been clear that expansion must be affordable and delivered in the best interest of passengers. Scheme costs should be minimised and financed through private funding, including any surface transport costs. While it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the ANPS review at this stage, it will be the responsibility of any expansion promoter to set out a surface access strategy demonstrating how they will meet the requirements set out in the ANPS.