Written questions by Wild.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if her Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025.

The Department for Transport is committed to meeting savings and efficiency targets set by HMT, with the Department delivering efficiency gains of 8% per year by 2028-29; with SR allocations agreed on this basis. These funding allocations – informed by the findings of the Zero-Based Review (ZBR) – are the first step in a wider plan to finalise budgets for different projects and programmes, with any necessary savings decided through that process. The savings taken forward will be subject to the normal rigorous business planning processes and in-year financial management. Further details of the Department’s efficiency gains can be accessed on the gov.uk website via the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/departmental-efficiency-delivery-plans/departmental-efficiency-plans#department-for-transport.

What discussions she had with Network Rail on the provision of changing place toilets at Cambridge South station before it opened.

Cambridge South station has been designed with accessibility at its core and will include accessible toilet facilities on both sides of the station, including a Changing Places toilet to support passengers with complex mobility needs.

What steps her Department is taking to (a) reduce waiting times for practical driving tests and (b) expand access to test centres in (i) Norfolk and (ii) North West Norfolk constituency.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain. Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK. From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres (DTC) that serve customers in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency, DVSA have recruited three new driving examiners (DE). From recent recruitment campaigns, DVSA have one potential new DE currently due to start in July and have made an employment offer to another potential candidate. DVSA is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient. The attached Excel document shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test, at each DTC in Great Britain, for each month from October 2024 to May 2025. The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)Total2020/217.88.48.12021/2212.815.314.12022/2312.49.5112023/2416.617.316.92024/2516.518.917.7 The table below shows the longest waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)2020/2116182021/2224242022/2324242023/2424242024/252224 The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Norfolk for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* Norfolk (inclusive of Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Fakenham)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)20.32022/2317.62023/2420.12024/2526.4 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.5 days. The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in the North West Norfolk constituency for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* North-West Norfolk Constituency (inclusive of Kings Lynn only)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)16.92022/2318.12023/2420.72024/2525.5 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.0 days. *Please note, 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 (i) practical and (ii) theory driving test by driving test centre in (A) Norfolk and (B) North West Norfolk constituency in each of the last five years.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain. Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK. From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres (DTC) that serve customers in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency, DVSA have recruited three new driving examiners (DE). From recent recruitment campaigns, DVSA have one potential new DE currently due to start in July and have made an employment offer to another potential candidate. DVSA is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient. The attached Excel document shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test, at each DTC in Great Britain, for each month from October 2024 to May 2025. The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)Total2020/217.88.48.12021/2212.815.314.12022/2312.49.5112023/2416.617.316.92024/2516.518.917.7 The table below shows the longest waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)2020/2116182021/2224242022/2324242023/2424242024/252224 The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Norfolk for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* Norfolk (inclusive of Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Fakenham)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)20.32022/2317.62023/2420.12024/2526.4 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.5 days. The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in the North West Norfolk constituency for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* North-West Norfolk Constituency (inclusive of Kings Lynn only)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)16.92022/2318.12023/2420.72024/2525.5 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.0 days. *Please note, 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.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 October 2025 to Question 6462, what the monthly average waiting time for a car practical driving test at each driving test centre has been for each month since October 2024.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain. Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK. From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres (DTC) that serve customers in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency, DVSA have recruited three new driving examiners (DE). From recent recruitment campaigns, DVSA have one potential new DE currently due to start in July and have made an employment offer to another potential candidate. DVSA is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient. The attached Excel document shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test, at each DTC in Great Britain, for each month from October 2024 to May 2025. The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)Total2020/217.88.48.12021/2212.815.314.12022/2312.49.5112023/2416.617.316.92024/2516.518.917.7 The table below shows the longest waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)2020/2116182021/2224242022/2324242023/2424242024/252224 The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Norfolk for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* Norfolk (inclusive of Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Fakenham)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)20.32022/2317.62023/2420.12024/2526.4 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.5 days. The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in the North West Norfolk constituency for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* North-West Norfolk Constituency (inclusive of Kings Lynn only)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)16.92022/2318.12023/2420.72024/2525.5 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.0 days. *Please note, 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.

Whether her Department plans to agree a multi-year public transport settlement with Norfolk County Council from 2026.

This government is committed to providing greater stability to local government by giving councils multi-year funding settlements and ending wasteful competitive bidding. Funding to local authorities, including for transport in future years will be confirmed through the ongoing Spending Review.

What steps she is taking to improve access to public transport in North West Norfolk.

The government knows that a modern public transport network is vital to providing access to services and keeping communities connected. The government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Norfolk County Council has been allocated £15.9 million of this funding, helping to improve bus services across the area. Rail services in North West Norfolk are supported by requirements on train operators to plan services and design timetables to meet both current and future passenger demand, while also ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. The government commitment to public ownership through Great British Railways will also help to deliver a unified system that focuses on reliable, affordable, high-quality, and efficient transport services, whilst also ensuring safety and accessibility. Under public ownership, passenger services can be operated in the interests of passengers, not shareholders. The government also launched its plan to develop an Integrated National Transport Strategy which will set the long-term vision for transport in England. It will focus on how transport should be designed, built and operated to better serve all people who use it, including those in North West Norfolk.

What estimate her Department has made of the number of privately owned e-scooters in England.

The Department estimates that across England between 760,000 and 1.2 million people aged 16 and over own an e-scooter.The Government aims to deliver an integrated transport system that reduces emissions, improves journeys, and gives people choice over how they travel, and we are carefully considering how micromobility can help to deliver these objectives. No decision has yet been taken, however, on bringing forward e-scooter regulations. The Department will consult on any new proposed regulations before they come into force.

Whether she is taking steps to allow the use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads.

The Department estimates that across England between 760,000 and 1.2 million people aged 16 and over own an e-scooter.The Government aims to deliver an integrated transport system that reduces emissions, improves journeys, and gives people choice over how they travel, and we are carefully considering how micromobility can help to deliver these objectives. No decision has yet been taken, however, on bringing forward e-scooter regulations. The Department will consult on any new proposed regulations before they come into force.

Whether she plans to end the Great Northern franchise at the core term expiry date.

Great Northern services are operated by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), whose core term expiry date was 1 April 2025. The date on which GTR’s franchise will end, and its services transfer to public ownership, has not yet been decided. The Rail Minister and Secretary of State meet with all the Train Operating Companies and their Network Rail counterparts regularly to discuss performance and staffing amongst other topical issues.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of dualling the A47 between Tilney and East Winch.

The current performance and potential future needs of the A47 between Tilney and East Winch has been considered as part of National Highways East of England Route Strategy, which will form the basis of future investment planning on the strategic road network.As part of a proposed housing development at West Winch, to the south of Kings Lynn, National Highways is considering improvements to the Hardwick Interchange where the A47 meets the A10, dual the section of the A47 south of the Hardwick Interchange and provide for a new access road. This is still in an early stage of development and is subject to review and assessment by the department once details are finalised.

Whether his Department has made an estimate of the cost of the environmental clean-up operation to (a) charities and (b) local authorities, following the North Sea vessel collision on 10 March 2025.

Liability for the pollution sits with the shipowner, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Local Authorities will work with them once clean-up operations are concluded to recover costs. The ‘polluter pays’ principle is a dominating principle in international environmental law and under this principle it is not the responsibility of a government to meet the costs involved in prevention or remedial action for environmental damage.

Whether his Department will be pursuing financial redress from the operators of the (a) MV Solong and (b) MV Stena Immaculate for the clean up operation, following the North Sea vessel collision on 10 March 2025.

HM Coastguard’s Counter Pollution and Salvage team are in the process of compiling a comprehensive cost recovery claim following the allision incident off the Humber Estuary between the MV SOLONG and MT STENA IMMACULATE. The claim will seek to recover the full costs of the government personnel, response equipment (including air surveillance) and the services of specialist technical advisors used in response to the incident and its aftermath.

What estimate his Department has made of the total cost of the environmental clean-up operation, following the North Sea vessel collision on 10 March 2025.

Both ships were insured by reputable insurance companies and UK authorities have spoken with both. Liability for the pollution sits with the shipowner and their insurers. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Local Authorities will work with them once clean-up operations are concluded to recover costs.

Whether (a) local authorities and (b) charities can claim financial compensation for environmental clean-up costs.

With regards to marine pollution, liability sits with the polluter. Local Authorities and other responders should work with the responsible party and its insurer to recover costs once clean-up operations are concluded.

What (a) contractors and (b) sub-contractors are involved in the main civil works phase of the HS2 programme.

HS2 Ltd publish details of their main civil works contracts, and multiple other contractors, on their Contract Opportunities Table (https://www.hs2.org.uk/supply-chain/direct-contract-opportunities/); this table can be found on the supply chain section of the HS2 website. In addition to this, HS2 Ltd publish details of subcontracts, for which there are likely to be onward opportunities in the supply chain, through their Indirect Opportunities Table (https://www.hs2.org.uk/supply-chain/indirect-contract-opportunities/).

What assessment she has made of the security risk of (a) connected and (b) autonomous vehicles manufactured using Chinese (i) software and (ii) hardware.

Connected and Automated Vehicles offer benefits to motorists and pedestrians through safer and more enjoyable driving, but these new technologies pose new risks. The Government takes national security very seriously and continues to actively look at threats associated with Connected and Automated Vehicles. The Department for Transport works closely with the transport sector and the National Cyber Security Centre, as well as other Government departments to understand and respond to cyber vulnerabilities associated with all Connected Vehicles, including Automated Vehicles.