Written questions by Mierlo.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of integrated data and through-ticketing between rail services and airlines worldwide; and if she will take steps to make the UK a leader in integrated air-rail data sharing and through-ticketing.

Awaiting answer.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of ADI part 2 and ADI part 3 tests in Oxfordshire.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is aware that demand for approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 and part 3 tests is high in some areas across the country and recognises the time constraints this may place on trainee driving instructors. As ADI examiners are deployed across multiple test centres, understanding when and where candidates wish to take tests helps DVSA deploy examiner resource appropriately. Consequently, DVSA does not publish waiting times for ADI tests. DVSA has recruited, and continues to recruit, additional ADI examiners and has increased its capacity to train new examiners.

With reference to the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000, what recent assessment she has made of the future viability of (a) parent funded school transport schemes and (b) spare seat schemes.

The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) set minimum accessibility requirements for buses and coaches, designed to carry over twenty-two passengers and used on local or scheduled services. They support millions of disabled people, including young people and children, to make the journeys important in their lives. PSVAR have applied to certain home-to-school (HTS) services for 25 years. In response to widespread non-compliance in the sector, including HTS services where spare capacity is sold, the government issued exemptions to enable these essential services to continue operating whilst operators procured compliant coaches. The current Medium-Term Exemptions (MTE) for HTS and rail replacement coach services expire on 31st July. In 2023 the previous Government began a review of PSVAR, including inviting feedback from local authority commissioners, providers and users of transport services, through a Call for Evidence, with a view to understanding the extent to which the Regulations remained appropriate and continued to serve disabled passengers. We continue to work with partners to understand the best way forward and we will announce our proposed next steps on PSVAR, including a decision on the future of the MTE scheme and its implications for HTS services, soon.

What assessment she has made of the (a) adequacy of support for low income families transitioning away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and (b) potential impact of the 2030 ban on sales of new ICE vehicles.

The Government is committed to supporting those on low incomes in accessing electric vehicles and the up to £1,400 running cost saving per year versus a comparable petrol car. We are investing over £3.5bn in grants to make zero emission vehicles more affordable as well as measures to increase access to charging. This includes cross-pavement charging solutions to help those without a driveway access the cheapest charging rates and support for local authorities to invest in infrastructure that suits their local areas. The 2030 phase-out applies only to new pure petrol and diesel cars and provides certainty to industry, enabling businesses and drivers to plan for the future.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of transits by sanctioned Russian‑linked vessels through the Channel on national security.

The UK Government constantly monitors UK waters to ensure the safety of mariners, protect the marine environment and uphold the UK’s national security, which includes monitoring sanctioned tankers. The Department for Transport is continuing to increase scrutiny of these vessels as they transit through the Channel through our Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism introduced in October 2024.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of ageing tankers, such as the 21 year old Kusto, transiting through the Channel on the environment.

The Department for Transport is clear about the risks that ageing shadow fleet vessels pose to the safety of mariners, the marine environment and the UK’s national security. The Government remains committed to deterring and disrupting the shadow fleet. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has sanctioned over 500 vessels, including the Kusto in May 2025, which prohibits these vessels from entering into a UK port, and signals to the global maritime community that these vessels are dangerous and should not be interacted with.DfT has operated the Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism since October 2024, which increases scrutiny on shadow fleet vessels by challenging them for proof of their insurance as they transit the Channel. Since October 2024, over 600 vessels have been challenged.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 103084, if she will publish policy proposals to implement the practice of collection of data of non-injury road traffic accidents in order to make an assessment of the risk at rural junctions.

There are currently no plans to collect non-injury collision data from road traffic collisions to make an assessment of risk at rural junctions.As announced in the recently published Road Safety Strategy, the department is exploring the possibility of breaking down rural roads into several subcategories to better define their purpose. This segmentation will help target safety interventions more effectively, ensuring resources are spent where they can have the greatest impact. We have also announced the establishment of a data-led Road Safety Investigation Branch, which will investigate collisions on a thematic basis.

What assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of current statutory consultation requirements for introducing parking restrictions on main roads, and whether she plans to review these requirements.

No such assessment has been made. We have not identified a need for change but will continue to monitor their impact as part of wider traffic management reviews.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of data on non‑injury road traffic accidents at rural junctions.

The Department for Transport does not collect data on non-injury road traffic accidents at rural junctions so is unable to make an assessment.

What assessment her Department has made of the sufficiency of current driving instruction in equipping new drivers with the knowledge and practical skills required for safe motorway driving, including appropriate lane usage; and whether consideration has been given to requiring supervised motorway driving as part of initial learner training and assessment.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to promote voluntary motorway lessons with approved instructors after theory test success, ensuring that all drivers can gain appropriate experience in a structured, supportive environment. However, DVSA has no current plans to mandate that all learner drivers must undertake motorway driving prior to their driving test, for several key reasons.Not all learners have convenient access to motorways, with many candidates living in rural or remote areas where the nearest motorway may be some distance away. Requiring all candidates to drive on a motorway would risk creating an unfair barrier to test readiness and accessibility.While motorway driving is valuable, the practical driving test already includes a strong focus on high-speed driving environments. Dual carriageways, which can present even greater risk due to variable traffic flows, mixed vehicle types, and more frequent junctions, are included in test routes, wherever possible. They provide critical opportunities to assess a candidate’s ability to manage higher speeds and complex traffic situations.

If she will make an assessment of (a) the potential merits of establishing a regulatory framework for the registration and road use of three- and four-wheeled electric bicycles, (b) the adequacy of road safety standards to ensure that these vehicles can operate safely alongside other road users and (c) the potential impact of the wider adoption of properly regulated three- and four-wheeled e-bikes on the environment, accessibility and congestion.

The existing regulatory framework for electric cycles is comprised of the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 and the Pedal Cycle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1983. These regulations apply to cycles with two or more wheels and are therefore applicable to three and four-wheeled electric cycles.These cycles must be constructed to meet the standards in the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. European Standard EN15194 is the industry standard which can contribute to meeting these regulations. No assessment concerning the environment, accessibility or congestion is planned in respect of these cycles.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2025 to Question 88113 on Utilities: Repairs and Maintenance, if he will publish statistics from Street Manager on the misuse of immediate permits.

As previously communicated to the Honourable Member, analysis of data from Street Manager has not indicated any widespread misuse of immediate permits. Since 2021, the proportion of immediate permits issued for emergency and urgent works has remained consistently within the range of 35% to 40%: 2021–22: 36.9%,2022–23: 35.2%,2023–24: 37.6%,2024–25: 38.2%. This year-on-year consistency suggests that immediate permits are being used appropriately and for legitimate operational needs. This conclusion is supported by engagement with both industry representatives and local authorities. The primary users of immediate permits across the periods were water companies, undertaking urgent repairs to leaks and restoring customer connections in accordance with regulatory requirements, and Highway Authorities, addressing hazardous potholes to ensure public safety. Details of Street Manager’s Open Data Overview is publicly accessible online.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 57535 on Active Travel: Construction, when he plans to publish guidance to support local authorities in the design and delivery of active travel routes.

Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, Active Travel England’s Rural Design Guidance is currently in its final development stages and is expected to be published by the end of the year.

Pursuant to the Answer received on 23 October 2025 to Question 83549 on utilities: repairs and maintenance, what the evidential basis is to suggest potential misuse of emergency repair provisions by utilities is low.

In response to the Honourable Member’s question on 23 October 2025, the data, sourced from Street Manager, the Government’s digital platform for managing highway works, shows no evidence of widespread misuse of immediate permits. The Department for Transport will work with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee to revise the Co-ordination Code of Practice, aiming to provide clearer guidance on the appropriate use of immediate permits.

Pursuant to the Answer of the 23 October 2025 to Question 83549 on utilities: repairs and maintenance, what steps her Department is taking to improve regulations governing emergency repairs by utilities that disrupt use of the highway.

In response to the Honourable Member’s question on 23 October 2025, the data, sourced from Street Manager, the Government’s digital platform for managing highway works, shows no evidence of widespread misuse of immediate permits. The Department for Transport will work with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee to revise the Co-ordination Code of Practice, aiming to provide clearer guidance on the appropriate use of immediate permits.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy (a) of the rules governing utilities companies' use of the highway when carrying out emergency repairs and (b) the level of risk of abuse of those rules by utilities companies.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that street works, including emergency repairs by utilities companies, are managed efficiently and with minimal disruption. The current legislative framework provides highway authorities with effective powers to coordinate and oversee such works. We continue to review and strengthen these regulations to ensure charges remain proportionate and effective, and remain committed to working with local authorities, utilities, and stakeholders to deliver a modern and accountable street works regime.We are also aware of concerns about the potential misuse of emergency permit rules by utilities companies. Available data shows no evidence of widespread abuse, with most immediate permits used for genuine emergencies or urgent repairs. The Department continues to monitor trends and engage with industry and local authorities and will update guidance to provide greater clarity on appropriate use. We remain committed to ensuring the system is effective, proportionate, and minimises disruption to local communities.

What steps she is taking to enable Irish passport holders to apply for UK driving licences online.

Customers with an Irish passport can already use GOV.UK to verify their identity to renew an existing photocard licence, replace a lost, stolen, damaged or defaced licence and notify of a change of address. A further enhancement to the online service is scheduled to be available by March 2026 which will enable customers who hold an Irish passport to also apply for their first provisional licence online.

Whether her Department plans to introduce noise cameras.

Further to my response to PQ66815, the Department does not currently have plans to introduce noise cameras but is keeping up to date with any advancements in this technology. It is ultimately for local authorities and the police to consider what the most appropriate enforcement routes may be for addressing issues with excessive vehicle noise within their area.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 July 2025 to Question 64334 on Roads: Noise, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of the installation of noise cameras, following the 2022 trial.

The Department for Transport conducted roadside trials of noise camera technology between October 2022 and February 2023. Reports of these trials, including detailed assessment of the technology’s performance and potential merits, were published on 17 March 2024. Overall, the trials demonstrated that noise cameras currently have the potential to be used for enforcement, but only when accompanied by human review of the recorded evidence, which is likely to lower the cost effectiveness of deploying the technology in many circumstances. A link to these reports can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/noise-camera-technology-roadside-trial.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of Highways England's roadside litter clearing duties.

The Government sets National Highways performance targets on litter as part of its Road Investment Strategies. These are based on the percentage of the Strategic Road Network where litter conditions are graded at B or above under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Litter Code of Practice. Progress towards the targets is monitored by the Office for Road and Rail, including through annual reports to Parliament. In 2023-24 National Highways' performance improved when compared to the previous year, and 59.2% of its network met the target. The ORR is continuing to challenge NH on the actions it is taking to address litter on the Strategic Road Network. Further details on litter management by National Highways can be found here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/environment/communities/litter-on-motorways-and-major-a-roads/.