Written questions by McMurdock.

What information her Department holds on safety-risk assessments that consider the consequences for East Tilbury residents being cut off when the level-crossing barriers are down.

The Department does not hold this information. It is for Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, to assess the risks at East Tilbury Level Crossing and ensure these are managed appropriately to protect users and the wider public, in accordance with its statutory safety duties.

If she will publish a breakdown of all committed public expenditure for the Lower Thames Crossing project to date.

The Department will continue to publish information on committed public expenditure for the Lower Thames Crossing through official reporting mechanisms. To date, over £1.3bn has been spent on the project, including technical surveys, design, land purchase, planning permission, and contract awards.

Whether the forthcoming integrated national transport strategy will include targets for improving rural bus a) coverage and b) frequency.

The integrated national transport strategy will focus on creating a transport network that works well for people wherever they live, addressing the main barriers people face in accessing good transport and empower local leaders to deliver better transport for their communities. As the strategy is being finalised, I cannot comment on specific policy or metrics but it will seek to ensure transport across England is safe, reliable and accessible so people can make the journeys they need to easily. Beyond the strategy, the Government is committed to delivering better buses throughout England, including in rural areas, and introduced the Bus Services Act 2025 to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have been allocated £17.8 million and £2 million of this funding respectively, helping to improve bus services and connectivity across these areas. The Government is also introducing a new approach to monitoring bus service performance through a framework of bus outcomes focused on what matters most to passengers. Combined with the flexibility for local transport authorities to invest where it’s needed most locally, this framework will drive up standards and ensure a consistent level of bus service right across the country.

What assessment she has made of the risks to (a) residents requiring urgent medical treatment and (b) other vulnerable residents when East Tilbury is cut off by level-crossing closures.

It is for Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, to assess and manage the risks at East Tilbury level crossing to ensure it remains safe for all users and the wider public, in accordance with its statutory safety duties.

What plans she has to publish regular progress reports detailing (a) expenditure, (b) contractual commitments and (c) updates on the funding position for the Lower Thames Crossing.

The Department and National Highways are committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates on the Lower Thames Crossing, including expenditure, contractual commitments, and the funding position, through established reporting mechanisms.

What plans she has to use (a) public-private partnership, (b) concessions model, and (c) toll-based financing model for the Lower Thames Crossing; and what options remain under consideration.

The Government's preferred financing option at this stage is the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model. This funding approach accelerates progress by unlocking private capital, therefore reducing the financial burden on taxpayers and boosting economic growth. This approach was selected following a robust assessment of private investment options, as set out in the updated Funding Statement in February 2025. Other models considered as part of this assessment included full public funding and public funding for the tunnels with DBFOM contracts for the roads.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of private finance support for delivering the remainder of the Lower Thames Crossing; and whether she has had discussions with private investors on that subject.

A robust assessment of private investment options has been undertaken, with the shortlist outlined in the updated Funding Statement in February 2025. The Government’s preferred financing option at this stage is the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model as it offers an integrated approach that focuses delivery, reduces the financial burden on taxpayers, harnesses the benefits of private investment, and ensures strong regulatory oversight to promote the interests of users. The Department, National Highways and its advisors regularly hold informal discussions with private investment markets on a variety of themes and sectors.

When she plans to confirm the remaining funding necessary to complete the Lower Thames Crossing.

The Chancellor has committed a further £891m to complete the publicly funded works for the Lower Thames Crossing, the final tranche of Government support before private sector investment takes forward construction and long-term operation. The total Government investment in the project will stand at £3.1bn. This includes spend to date and funding committed through the Spending Review and Autumn Budget.

What assessment she has made of the risk of cost escalation in the Lower Thames Crossing project.

While the Development Consent Order (DCO) provides a fixed framework that limits scope-driven changes and offers higher cost certainty for delivery, it is important to note that at this stage of a project of this size and complexity there is always a level of uncertainty on the ultimate final cost of the project. The government’s decision to proceed under the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model will significantly reduce the financial burden of construction costs to taxpayers, bringing in substantial amounts of private investment.

What assessment has been made of the potential economic impact on the UK logistics industry due to the recent changes to the EU's Entry/Exit System, and what actions are the Department taking to minimise disruption.

The Entry-Exit System (EES) is an EU border security system being implemented across the EU. The UK Government is making every effort to engage with the EU as they roll out EES, to ensure border fluidity for UK citizens and businesses. This includes supporting ports and carriers to make sure they have the right technology and processes in place so EES registration can take place as smoothly as possible. All UK nationals including lorry and coach drivers are bound by the 90/180 limit on short stays in the Schengen area. This has been the case since the UK left the EU in 2021. We continue to encourage road haulage and coach operators to take the necessary steps to ensure their UK national drivers who work internationally remain within the 90/180 limit.

What recent discussions have taken place with EU counterparts to discuss exemptions or streamlined processes for UK HGV drivers under the Entry/Exit System.

EES is being implemented by the EU to improve border security. Ultimately, any exemptions or amendments to Schengen rules, which EES will reinforce, are a matter for Member States and the EU. Whilst the UK Government is making every effort to engage with the EU as they roll out their implementation of EES, EES is not a UK Government initiative. The Government has been supporting ports and carriers to make sure they have the right technology and processes in place so EES registration can take place as smoothly as possible. The Government will continue to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by these rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad.

What steps she is taking to improve public transport connectivity in rural communities where residents have no alternative to driving.

The Government knows that in rural areas, bus services can be a lifeline for many and can be the only means of accessing essential services, including healthcare and education, as well as other modes of public transportation such as rail links. The Government is taking action to help improve local bus services across the country and encourage greater integration between transport modes. We have introduced the Bus Services Act 2025 to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders, including in rural areas. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have been allocated £17.8 million and £2 million of this funding respectively, helping to improve bus services and connectivity across these areas. The Government also intends to publish its integrated national transport strategy soon to set the long-term vision for domestic transport across England. It will focus on creating a transport network that works well for people, including those in rural areas.

What assessment she has made of the effect of reduced rural bus services on access to essential services, such as a) GP appointments, b) hospitals and c) educational facilities.

The Government knows that in rural areas, bus services can be a lifeline for many and can be the only means of accessing essential services, including healthcare and education, as well as other modes of public transportation such as rail links. The Government is taking action to help improve local bus services across the country and encourage greater integration between transport modes. We have introduced the Bus Services Act 2025 to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders, including in rural areas. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have been allocated £17.8 million and £2 million of this funding respectively, helping to improve bus services and connectivity across these areas. The Government also intends to publish its integrated national transport strategy soon to set the long-term vision for domestic transport across England. It will focus on creating a transport network that works well for people, including those in rural areas.

What assessment she has made of the impact of limited bus routes in rural areas of South Basildon and East Thurrock on social isolation among residents who do not drive.

The Government knows that in rural areas, bus services can be a lifeline for many and can be the only means of accessing essential services, including healthcare and education, as well as other modes of public transportation such as rail links. The Government is taking action to help improve local bus services across the country and encourage greater integration between transport modes. We have introduced the Bus Services Act 2025 to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders, including in rural areas. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have been allocated £17.8 million and £2 million of this funding respectively, helping to improve bus services and connectivity across these areas. The Government also intends to publish its integrated national transport strategy soon to set the long-term vision for domestic transport across England. It will focus on creating a transport network that works well for people, including those in rural areas.

What assessment she has made of whether road maintenance issues contribute to the pattern of road-traffic collisions in South Basildon and East Thurrock.

The Department has not made an assessment of whether road maintenance issues contribute to the pattern of road-traffic collisions in South Basildon and East Thurrock. This Government takes the condition of our country’s roads very seriously and is committed to supporting local authorities in maintaining and renewing the local highway network. At the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced that by 2029-30, the Government will commit over £2 billion annually for local authorities to repair and renew their roads and fix potholes – doubling funding since coming into office. This record level of funding is enough to fill millions of potholes each year, enabling the Government to exceed its commitment to fix an additional one million potholes per year. Local highway authorities have a duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain the highways network in their area. The Act does not set out specific standards of maintenance, as it is for each individual local highway authority to assess which parts of its network need repair and what standards should be applied, based upon their local knowledge and circumstances.

What plans she has to commission a review into the impact of waiting times at level crossings on a) road congestion, b) emergency vehicle access and c) safety in East Tilbury.

Network Rail are well aware of the current issues with waiting times and congestion at East Tilbury Level Crossing, and understand these concerns. As the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways with statutory safety duties to the public, Network Rail continue to monitor and keep the protective arrangements at East Tilbury Level Crossing under review, so that these safety risks can be managed, and any impacts mitigated accordingly.

What recent discussions she has had with Network Rail on delays experienced by a) motorists and b) pedestrians at East Tilbury level crossing due to freight movement.

Network Rail is responsible for managing safety at East Tilbury Level Crossing as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways and has a statutory duty to ensure all users can use the crossing safely. Network Rail will continue to engage the local community to understand these concerns and consider how they can be mitigated, whilst ensuring the safety of all users is upheld, as this is a priority.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of community safety events at level crossings in reducing incidents of misuse a) in East Tilbury and b) nationally.

Network Rail are responsible for determining the measures required at level crossings to create a safe environment. They regularly engage with local communities to provide information and briefing on the safety risks associated with misuse and undertake research to understand public and passenger safety attitudes and behaviour towards the railway, which helps to refine their messaging. Network Rail will continue to engage with the community in East Tilbury to ensure safety levels at the crossing are maintained.

What steps she is taking to ensure that local communities affected by waiting times at level crossings, including East Tilbury, are consulted when freight timetables and volumes are expanded.

Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, are responsible for ensuring the safety of the public at level crossings across the network, including East Tilbury Level Crossing. This is in accordance with their statutory safety duties to manage risks on the railways. As part of this process, Network Rail will engage local communities to inform them of any potential changes to timetabling that could affect the operation of level crossings in their area, particularly those that could have an impact on safety.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of legal protections available to British freight drivers who travel into the Schengen Area in respect of the 90/180 rule.

The Schengen 90- days in any 180-day period (“90/180”) immigration rule has been in place since 2021 and applies to all UK nationals (including British freight drivers) undertaking short stays for leisure and work in the Schengen area. The Schengen 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory. Any amendments or exemptions to the Schengen rules are the responsibility of the EU and Member States. It is not UK Government policy. The Department continues to encourage road haulage and coach operators to take the necessary steps to ensure their UK national drivers who work internationally remain within the 90/180 limit. Freight drivers should also ensure that they are aware of the penalty and enforcement approach for exceeding the limit in any individual EU Member States they plan to travel to or through. This is important to avoid the risk of drivers and their vehicles being turned around at the UK-EU border or being fined or suspended from re-entry. Freight drivers generally do not benefit from specific legal exemptions for border crossing under the Schengen Borders Code, unlike certain other transport-related personnel such as ship or aircraft crew. The Government will continue to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by these rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad.