Written questions by Wrigley.

With reference to Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) regulations 2002, if she will increase the fee for (a) private individuals and (b) companies seeking drivers' data.

Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 permits the disclosure of vehicle keeper information for a range of authorised purposes, subject to appropriate safeguards. Information will only be released to private individuals and companies where reasonable cause can be shown. While reasonable cause is not defined in legislation the Government’s policy is that the request for vehicle keeper information should relate to the vehicle or its use following incidents where there may be liability on the part of the driver. Guidance on what constitutes reasonable cause is published online at: www.gov.uk/request-information-from-dvla. It is considered necessary to provide information to allow private parking management as landowners would have great difficulty exercising their rights if motorists were able to park with impunity on private land. There are no plans to amend Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 to remove the ability of private parking companies to request vehicle keeper information. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sets fees to recover the full cost of providing its services and regularly reviews fee levels to ensure that charges are maintained at an appropriate level.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of updating the Signs for road works and temporary situations guidance to recommend that in cases of road closures the name of the road is included in signage that says 'Road Closed Ahead'.

The Department recognises that clearer signage can help drivers make informed decisions. Including road names on ‘Road Closed Ahead’ signs may improve clarity, but it also raises safety concerns due to potential driver distraction. Its usefulness also depends on drivers’ familiarity with local road networks. Digital tools such as Street Manager and navigation apps already provide detailed location information, complementing physical signage. The Government will consider this suggestion with relevant stakeholders as part of ongoing work to improve street works communication and safety.

If she will bring forward legislative proposals to clarify the meaning of regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) regulations 2002.

Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 permits the disclosure of vehicle keeper information for a range of authorised purposes, subject to appropriate safeguards. Information will only be released to private individuals and companies where reasonable cause can be shown. While reasonable cause is not defined in legislation the Government’s policy is that the request for vehicle keeper information should relate to the vehicle or its use following incidents where there may be liability on the part of the driver. Guidance on what constitutes reasonable cause is published online at: www.gov.uk/request-information-from-dvla. It is considered necessary to provide information to allow private parking management as landowners would have great difficulty exercising their rights if motorists were able to park with impunity on private land. There are no plans to amend Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 to remove the ability of private parking companies to request vehicle keeper information. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sets fees to recover the full cost of providing its services and regularly reviews fee levels to ensure that charges are maintained at an appropriate level.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) regulations 2002 to remove the ability of private parking companies to purchase drivers' data for a fee.

Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 permits the disclosure of vehicle keeper information for a range of authorised purposes, subject to appropriate safeguards. Information will only be released to private individuals and companies where reasonable cause can be shown. While reasonable cause is not defined in legislation the Government’s policy is that the request for vehicle keeper information should relate to the vehicle or its use following incidents where there may be liability on the part of the driver. Guidance on what constitutes reasonable cause is published online at: www.gov.uk/request-information-from-dvla. It is considered necessary to provide information to allow private parking management as landowners would have great difficulty exercising their rights if motorists were able to park with impunity on private land. There are no plans to amend Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 to remove the ability of private parking companies to request vehicle keeper information. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sets fees to recover the full cost of providing its services and regularly reviews fee levels to ensure that charges are maintained at an appropriate level.

If she will introduce a national railcard for all ages.

There are no current plans to review railcards in advance of the transition to Great British Railways, however Great British Railways will have the opportunity to take a fresh look at the justification of the eligibility and restrictions of some railcards. Any long-term changes or concessions made to rail fares policy will require balancing against the potential impacts on passengers, taxpayers and the railway. Additionally, there are many local concessionary passes that are valid on National Rail, this includes the Devon and Cornwall Railcard, which have been introduced by local authorities and train operators.

If she will take steps to introduce a Network South West railcard similar to the Network railcard available for people in London and the South East.

There are no current plans to review railcards in advance of the transition to Great British Railways, however Great British Railways will have the opportunity to take a fresh look at the justification of the eligibility and restrictions of some railcards. Any long-term changes or concessions made to rail fares policy will require balancing against the potential impacts on passengers, taxpayers and the railway. Additionally, there are many local concessionary passes that are valid on National Rail, this includes the Devon and Cornwall Railcard, which have been introduced by local authorities and train operators.

What steps she is taking to help reduce the number of assaults on public transport in Devon.

The Department for Transport is working with industry to ensure that public transport is a safe environment for staff and passengers. BTP are responsible for policing the railway, and they deploy their officers across the network, including in Devon, based on intelligence led briefings with daily taskings to provide reassurance to the public. BTP regularly carry out joint operations with Devon and Cornwall Police under Operation Servator which includes high visibility patrols at key railway infrastructure locations and known incident hotspots. Through the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, we propose to mandate training for staff working in the bus industry, including drivers and those who deal directly with the travelling public, on how to recognise and respond to incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport. We intend to make clear that training will require a person to take steps to prevent crime or anti-social behaviour only where it is safe to do so.

What steps she is taking to support transport workers who have been assaulted while at work.

Violence or abuse against public transport workers is unacceptable. The Government is committed to ensuring that staff across the network not only feel safe but are safe while carrying out their duties. The Department for Transport works closely with the transport industry and, on the railways, with the British Transport Police to maintain a safe environment for both staff and passengers.Through the Bus Services (No.2) Act, we proposed to mandate training for staff working in the bus industry, including drivers and those who deal directly with the travelling public, on how to recognise and respond to incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport. We will make clear that training will require a person to take steps to prevent crime or anti-social behaviour only where it is safe to do so.Rail operators take the personal safety of their staff seriously, with help given by the Department where required. Many have internal support systems in place for workers who have been assaulted or suffered abuse at work. In addition, whenever a crime is reported the police will signpost independent victim support services that the worker can contact at anytime for help and support.It is essential that staff continue to report any instances of abuse or violence to the police so it can be investigated and offenders brought to justice. The British Transport Police are the dedicated police service for the railway and one of their priorities is ensuring it remains a safe place for staff and they will actively pursue offenders who abuse or are violent towards staff.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of adding mandatory software updates to the MOT process for electric cars.

The MOT plays a vital role in keeping people safe on our roads. That is why the Department for Transport published a call for evidence in 2023 which sought views on how to keep it up to date. The monitoring of software updates for both electric and ICE vehicles is something that was raised in responses and is under consideration. Any proposals will, however, need to answer how to identify the software version on the vehicle and what the latest available version is.

If she will bring forward legislative proposals mandating that second hand electric vehicles are sold with (a) conformity and (b) battery health check certificates.

The Government currently has no plans to mandate that second hand vehicles are sold with certificates of conformity or battery health certificates. Manufacturers are currently required to issue a certificate of conformity with each new vehicle. A vehicle owner may request a duplicate of the certificate from the manufacturer for up to 10 years after the date of manufacture. The Government will introduce a new digital system to give members of the public direct access to information about their vehicle. Most vehicles manufactured on or after 5 July 2026 will be enrolled in the new system, and paper certificates of conformity will be phased out. The UK Government has worked with international partners at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to develop a Global Technical Regulation on EV batteries (GTR No.22). This regulation requires electric vehicles have easily accessible, accurate, and comparable information on the battery’s state of health. The Government is currently analysing options for the implementation of GTR No.22 regulations in the UK.

What discussions her Department has had with the Civil Aviation Authority on the effectiveness of its processes in relation to Special Use Airspace applications to use uncrewed air systems for NHS medical logistics.

My officials continue to work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority to improve the airspace change process. My department is undertaking a full review of the regulatory framework for airspace change, with the aim of streamlining and improving the airspace change process for uncrewed air systems operations and trials. My department will consult on these changes later this year

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the average time taken to approve Special Use Airspace applications for Beyond Visual Line of Sight uncrewed air system operations under Civil Air Publication 1616 in the latest period for which data is available.

The CAA assesses Special Use Airspace applications, including those for BVLOS operations, under the CAP1616 process to ensure safety, proportionality, and fairness for all airspace users.The CAA is currently consulting on reforms to CAP1616, including a more proportionate approach to BVLOS airspace, to improve clarity, efficiency, and transparency while maintaining safety.Application timescales vary depending on complexity and completeness, with straightforward cases often completed within weeks to a few monthsThe CAA continues to support safe, innovative BVLOS operations in line with the UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy.

If she will establish a national luggage return scheme for passengers who lose luggage on board a Great British Railways service.

Great British Railways will bring the track, train and rail estate together under one organisation. This will enable it to adapt and create a system to better suit passenger needs more effectively. We are working closely with industry on opportunities to optimise the approach to standards across the rail sector.

What steps she is taking to support (a) South Western Railway and (b) Network Rail in improving the West of England mainline to prevent soil moisture deficits impacting rail journeys on that route.

The Department is in regular discussion with South Western Railway and Network Rail on the monitoring of conditions on the West of England Line to ensure services are restored as soon as it is safe to do so. Once soil moisture levels improve and the ground begins to rehydrate and settle, engineers will carry out lasting repairs to stabilise the embankments and restore track levels, allowing the normal timetable to return. Network Rail have plans for regional weather resilience and climate change adaptation, with £2.8 billion set aside at a national level in Control Period 7. We will work closely with Network Rail Wessex to ensure appropriate action is taken on the West of England line to minimise the risk of soil moisture deficit in future.

Which equestrian organisations her Department has consulted in developing its approach to equestrian road safety.

When carrying out the review of The Highway Code to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, the Department for Transport worked closely with an expert stakeholder group from the outset representing different users of the road including the British Horse Society.

How many road collisions took place between vehicles and horses in 2024; and what proportion of these were a result of a vehicle passing too closely or quickly.

There were 56 reported personal injury collisions, on public roads (including footways), involving at least one ridden horse and another vehicle in Great Britain 2024.In 15 cases, a police officer attended the scene of the collision and recorded at least one contributory factor or road safety factor. In 12 of these 15 collisions (80%), a factor related to speed or passing too closely to another road user was assigned to a vehicle other than the ridden horse that was involved in the collision.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of including equestrian safety in driving theory tests on reducing accidents.

There has been no assessment made of the potential impact of including equestrian safety in driving theory tests on reducing accidents. This would be difficult due to many confounding factors regarding accidents.The Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVSA) driver theory test already contains questions relating to equestrian safety, and has done for many years.DVSA has recognised the need to promote the recognition of hazards by drivers when sharing the road with horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles. These are well represented within the hazard perception part of the test, a CGI video test which requires candidates to identify developing hazards on the road in good time.Both the multiple choice and hazard perception parts of the theory test are continually being updated and added to, with one of the focuses being on vulnerable road users such as horse riders.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of launching a compensation scheme for passengers without seat reservations who did not get a seat on a train.

There are currently no plans to introduce compensation for passengers unable to find a seat.The walk-up nature of the railway in Great Britain supports full access to rail services, but at busy times could mean seating is not guaranteed. Some train operators offer seat reservations up to two hours before the departure of a train.If a passenger holds a First-Class ticket and no First-Class seats are available, they are entitled to a refund of the difference between the fare paid and that of the appropriate Standard Class fare.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the planned £8.5 million reduction in funding for the British Transport Police Funding on the policing of crime on the rail network.

The budget for the British Transport Police for the financial year 2025/26 is £415m - a 5.9% increase on the year before. The British Transport Police’s (BTP) budget is set by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA). It is the executive non-departmental public body that oversees the Force and is their employer. BTPA sets the BTP’s budget annually following proposals from the Force and views from industry. BTP work closely with BTPA and industry operators to make final resourcing decisions with their agreed budget.

What recent discussions she has had with the Transport Salaried Staff Association on the British Transport Police's funding.

The Secretary of State for Transport met with the General Secretary of the Transport Salaried Staff Association (TSSA), Maryam Eslamdoust on 2nd April 2025, following a meeting with the Rail Minister on 12 March. These were productive introductory meetings between the General Secretary of TSSA and the Secretary of State for Transport and Rail Minister. Whilst funding was discussed at these meetings, the British Transport Police’s (BTP) budget is set by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA). It is the executive non-departmental public body that oversees the Force and is their employer. BTPA sets the BTP’s budget annually following proposals from the Force and views from industry.