Every parliamentary written question tabled by Louie French this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–13 of 13 · Department for Transport
What her Department's policy is in relation to tube strikes.
As Transport in London is devolved to TfL, it is for the Mayor of London to manage the impact of any strike action on London’s transport network. The Government encourages all sides to work together to resolve any disputes as quickly as possible.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of industrial action on (a) commuters within London and (b) commuters from outside London in March 2026.
As Transport in London is devolved to TfL, it is for the Mayor of London to assess and manage the impact of any strike action on London’s transport network. The Government understands, however, that the RMT union has suspended its planned industrial action between Tuesday 24 March and Friday 27 March.
What assessment she has made of the (a) potential economic impact and (b) potential financial impact of the proposed industrial action by London Underground drivers who are members of the RMT union on businesses in London.
As transport in London is devolved to TfL, the Mayor of London is responsible for managing the impact of strike action on London’s transport network. Nevertheless, the Government continues to encourage all sides to work together to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible.
Pursuant to the Answer of 11 November, to Question 87899 on Delivery Services: Driving Licences, if she will (a) publish the letter referred to from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport, (b) make an assessment of the potential impact of people engaged in delivery work without valid documentation on road safety and (c) review the training, testing, and licensing requirements for motorcycles.
a) I have placed copies of the letter referred to in my answer to Question 87899 in the Library of the House. b) The Department has no plans to assess the potential impact of people engaged in delivery work without valid documentation on road safety. This is a matter of enforcement of the law and for the police to decide, on the evidence of each individual case, whether an offence has been committed and the appropriate action to take. c) We are considering plans to review the existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing, and licensing that take account of both long-standing plans in the Department for Transport and the Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency, and proposals received from the motorcycle sector. The Road Safety Strategy is under development and will include a broad range of policies. We intend to publish the Strategy this year.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of people without valid (a) work and (b) driving documentation being engaged in delivery work on road safety.
The department has not had any discussions with gig economy operators about trends in the level of people working as delivery drivers through their platforms without appropriate driving licences, or steps being taken to prevent such practices. Drivers must hold a full licence to work as a delivery driver. Motorcyclists must hold a valid provisional licence to work as a delivery rider. Employers have a duty to manage the risks of their work activities, including where driving for work is required. Employees and self-employed workers have a responsibility to drive appropriately and comply with relevant laws.The department with the Health and Safety Executive updated joint guidance called ‘Driving and riding safely for work’ in September 2021 that sets out those obligations. In December 2024, Minister Simon Lightwood MP wrote to the Chief Executives of the largest food delivery companies to remind them of the importance the Government places on the safety of food delivery riders and other road users, and of their responsibilities and obligations towards them. It is essential that delivery drivers and riders follow The Highway Code. The department has not made an assessment about people engaged in delivery work without valid documentation on road safety, or about the merits of increasing regulation of people driving delivery and courier vehicles for any reason. We are considering plans to review the training, testing, and licensing requirements for motorcycles. Enforcement of the law is a matter for the police who will decide, on the evidence of each individual case, whether an offence has been committed and the appropriate action to take. The Road Safety Strategy is under development and will include a broad range of policies. More details will be set out in due course.
What discussions she has had with gig economy operators on (a) trends in the level of people (i) driving and (ii) delivering through their platforms without appropriate driving licences and (b) steps they are taking to prevent such practices.
The department has not had any discussions with gig economy operators about trends in the level of people working as delivery drivers through their platforms without appropriate driving licences, or steps being taken to prevent such practices. Drivers must hold a full licence to work as a delivery driver. Motorcyclists must hold a valid provisional licence to work as a delivery rider. Employers have a duty to manage the risks of their work activities, including where driving for work is required. Employees and self-employed workers have a responsibility to drive appropriately and comply with relevant laws.The department with the Health and Safety Executive updated joint guidance called ‘Driving and riding safely for work’ in September 2021 that sets out those obligations. In December 2024, Minister Simon Lightwood MP wrote to the Chief Executives of the largest food delivery companies to remind them of the importance the Government places on the safety of food delivery riders and other road users, and of their responsibilities and obligations towards them. It is essential that delivery drivers and riders follow The Highway Code. The department has not made an assessment about people engaged in delivery work without valid documentation on road safety, or about the merits of increasing regulation of people driving delivery and courier vehicles for any reason. We are considering plans to review the training, testing, and licensing requirements for motorcycles. Enforcement of the law is a matter for the police who will decide, on the evidence of each individual case, whether an offence has been committed and the appropriate action to take. The Road Safety Strategy is under development and will include a broad range of policies. More details will be set out in due course.
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing (a) the regulation of and (b) enforcement against people driving vehicles for (i) delivery and (ii) courier work with L plates but without valid driving licences.
The department has not had any discussions with gig economy operators about trends in the level of people working as delivery drivers through their platforms without appropriate driving licences, or steps being taken to prevent such practices. Drivers must hold a full licence to work as a delivery driver. Motorcyclists must hold a valid provisional licence to work as a delivery rider. Employers have a duty to manage the risks of their work activities, including where driving for work is required. Employees and self-employed workers have a responsibility to drive appropriately and comply with relevant laws.The department with the Health and Safety Executive updated joint guidance called ‘Driving and riding safely for work’ in September 2021 that sets out those obligations. In December 2024, Minister Simon Lightwood MP wrote to the Chief Executives of the largest food delivery companies to remind them of the importance the Government places on the safety of food delivery riders and other road users, and of their responsibilities and obligations towards them. It is essential that delivery drivers and riders follow The Highway Code. The department has not made an assessment about people engaged in delivery work without valid documentation on road safety, or about the merits of increasing regulation of people driving delivery and courier vehicles for any reason. We are considering plans to review the training, testing, and licensing requirements for motorcycles. Enforcement of the law is a matter for the police who will decide, on the evidence of each individual case, whether an offence has been committed and the appropriate action to take. The Road Safety Strategy is under development and will include a broad range of policies. More details will be set out in due course.
Whether she plans to amend the charge for the Dartford Crossing, in the context of the potential impact of the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel tolls on levels of congestion.
The level of charges at the Dartford Crossing is kept under review to maintain its effective operation. Given the additional capacity provided by the Silvertown Tunnel and that for most of the day the charges for cars, vans and lorries at the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels will be less than those at the Dartford Crossing, the Department expects minimal changes in total demand at the Dartford Crossing when tolling at the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels begins, and therefore this would not require amendment of the charges levied there.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the upcoming Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel tolls on congestion at the Dartford crossing.
Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor and TfL is responsible for assessing any impact of tolls on the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels on congestion in the area. However, given the additional capacity provided by the Silvertown Tunnel and that for most of the day the charges for cars, vans and lorries at the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels will be less than those at the Dartford Crossing, the Department expects minimal changes in total demand at the Dartford Crossing when tolling begins
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent trends in the level of black cab numbers on (a) the elderly and (b) people with visual impairments or mobility issues.
The Government understands the importance of accessible taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) in supporting older and disabled people to live independent lives. All taxis in London and several other large cities in England are wheelchair accessible and we recognise the potential negative effect the decline in their number may have on the overall accessibility of taxi and PHV services in areas affected. Ultimately, the licensing of taxis and PHVs is a matter for local licensing authorities (LLAs) and the Government expects them to anticipate the needs of people in their area proactively, and to ensure that services meet a wide range of passenger needs. In doing so, LLAs are encouraged to follow the government’s Best Practice Guidance on Taxi and PHV Licensing and to be mindful of their broader duties under the Equality Act 2010.
What plans she has for the provision of funding for the plug-in taxi grant from April 2025 onwards.
The Plug-in Taxi Grant (PITG) was introduced in 2017 to support the early market growth of zero emission capable taxis. To date it has provided over £70 million to support the purchase of over 10,000 vehicles of this type. The PITG is funded until at least the end of the current financial year. All grants and taxation measures remain under review to ensure they deliver the greatest value for money to the taxpayer.
Whether her Department has had discussions with Transport for London on the potential implications for her policies of Transport for London's planned revised Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan.
The Government sets the regulatory structure within which 263 licensing authorities in England license the taxi and private hire vehicle sector and issues guidance to assist them in doing this. Transport for London are the licensing authority for London and the Department discusses a range of taxi and private hire vehicle licensing matters with them.
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing funding for new rolling stock for Southeastern metro services.
Southeastern is currently out to market with a live procurement exercise to replace its ageing metro fleet. This could be through refurbishing or cascading existing rolling stock, new build, or a combination of both. Any replacement rolling stock will be subject to a successful business case, required to support the investment decision and ensure value for money.