Every parliamentary written question tabled by Melanie Onn this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–18 of 18 · Department for Transport
What the average waiting time is for (a) inspections, (b) approvals and (c) responses to correspondence from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency relating to fishing vessels.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation
What recent assessment she has made of the performance of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in its regulation of the UK fishing fleet.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation
What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's complaints procedures for candidates who experience inappropriate behaviour from driving examiners.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has a published complaints process which enables driving test candidates to raise concerns about the standard of service they have received, including the behaviour of driving examiners. Complaints about driving tests and the conduct of examiners are considered and investigated in line with this procedure. Candidates who are dissatisfied with DVSA’s response after completing the final stage of the Agency’s complaints process may ask for their complaint to be reviewed by an Independent Complaints Assessor.
What assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of the frequency of the cancellation of services on the Barton Line; and what steps are being taken to address this.
We recognise that recent performance on the Barton Line has been below what passengers rightly expect. The Department is aware that East Midlands Railway (EMR) is working to improve train performance on this route. To achieve this, EMR: Introduced a revised timetable in December 2025 to reduce the impact of service disruption and delays;is continuing with its major train refurbishments to improve reliability and performance;is continuing to work with Network Rail to address infrastructure and operational issues.
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of delays to the renewal of vocational licenses by the DVLA on the finances of professional drivers.
Straightforward applications for vocational driving licences are being processed within normal turnaround times of ten working days. Driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) must be investigated before a licence can be issued can take longer as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is often reliant on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The DVLA is currently rolling out a new casework system which is expected to deliver significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions. When fully implemented, this will provide improved turnaround times, increased capacity and automation, higher levels of digital functionality and digital communication. The DVLA is also planning to launch a new medical services platform which will enable more customers to transact online and will increase the use of email communication. The DVLA is also developing an online service for the renewal of vocational licences and this will enable more customers to transact online. Applicants renewing an existing l licence may be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing they can meet specific criteria. More information can be found online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla.
What steps she is taking to support North East Lincolnshire Council to complete the long-overdue repairs and re-open Corporation Bridge in Great Grimsby.
The Department is committed to supporting local authorities in maintaining and renewing the local highway network, which is why by 2029/30, the Government will commit over £2 billion annually in local highways maintenance funding, doubling funding since coming into office. For the first time, we have confirmed allocations for four years of funding, enabling local authorities to plan ahead and move away from expensive, short-term repairs and instead investment in proactive and preventative maintenance. In addition to this, the Spending Review announced £1 billion for key local highway enhancement projects and a new Structures Fund for repairing run down bridges, decaying flyovers and worn out tunnels. I know that the work on Corporation Road Bridge has been ongoing since the beginning of 2022 and has faced significant challenges including a change of contractor which has led to considerable delays to these works. My officials are liaising with North East Lincolnshire Council Officers and I'm pleased to hear a new contractor has been appointed with the bridge likely to be reopened in December of next year.
What recent discussions she has had with National Rail and LNER on alternative platform solutions at Market Rasen on the Lincoln to Cleethorpes East Coast line.
With rail infrastructure and passenger services being brought together as we progress towards Great British Railways, we expect a fresh assessment of the business case to be made. The aspirations of local communities and stakeholders are noted and will be incorporated as appropriate in future planning assessments, subject to available funding.
Pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 85197 on Motor Vehicles: Testing, what steps her Department is taking to support small and independent MOT testing stations in managing operational costs.
Independent MOT garages are a cornerstone of our testing regime, and their contribution to delivering high-quality MOT tests is greatly valued. Their efforts do not go unnoticed and play a crucial role in ensuring our roads remain safe for all users.I understand that rising inflation and operational costs have put pressure on garages. While the income from MOTs has remained static due to the set fee, many garages do not charge the maximum permitted fee, and others are not solely reliant on MOT income to remain profitable.The Department keeps the MOT regime, including the fee under review. Any consideration of changes must balance the needs of garages and their ability to invest against the interests of drivers in receiving value from the MOT.
What steps her Department is taking to ensure that rail companies maintain (a) station ramps and (b) boarding equipment to safe standards for passengers using wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
All train and station operators must develop an Accessible Travel Policy, approved by the Office of Rail and Road. This requires operators to ensure that they make ramps that are fit for purpose, (either at the station or on board the train) to facilitate the boarding or alighting of the train by disabled people.
What steps her Department is taking to encourage competition between independent MOT testing garages and large national chains.
The MOT is a vital part of the regulations that keep our roads safe, and I greatly appreciate the work of skilled mechanics in both independent garages and larger businesses that are essential to testing. It is one of the strengths of our testing regime that independent garages across the country provide assurance to millions in their community's while providing value to drivers in a competitive market.
What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to extend the requirement for mandatory anti-lock braking systems to include all new 125cc motorcycles.
The UK's technical requirements for the type approval of motorcycles currently remain aligned with the EU's as the Department seeks to reduce burdens on businesses by limiting UK-EU regulatory divergence. Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cc or less must be equipped with an advanced braking system: either an anti-lock braking system or a combined braking system or both. The Department has not undertaken a study into the effectiveness of mandating anti-lock braking systems for motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cc or less and there are no plans to introduce legislation on this issue.
Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry on (a) job creation and (b) economic growth in the Humberside region.
Building a UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry represents a significant economic opportunity which can bring good, high-skilled jobs to regions like the Humberside. We are putting £63 million into the Advanced Fuels Fund in 2025/2026 to help support UK SAF plants to reach commercial scale. We will also deliver a revenue certainty mechanism to encourage investment into the UK SAF industry. We expect the legislation for a revenue certainty mechanism to be in place by the end of 2026. We will continue to monitor the estimated delivery date and work with industry to deliver an effective revenue certainty mechanism as soon as possible. Our policies on SAF will, taken together, help support thousands of jobs and create economic growth as well helping to bring down our transport emissions, support our energy security and make the UK a clean energy superpower.
What steps she is taking to accelerate the introduction of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue Certainty Mechanism) Bill.
Building a UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry represents a significant economic opportunity which can bring good, high-skilled jobs to regions like the Humberside. We are putting £63 million into the Advanced Fuels Fund in 2025/2026 to help support UK SAF plants to reach commercial scale. We will also deliver a revenue certainty mechanism to encourage investment into the UK SAF industry. We expect the legislation for a revenue certainty mechanism to be in place by the end of 2026. We will continue to monitor the estimated delivery date and work with industry to deliver an effective revenue certainty mechanism as soon as possible. Our policies on SAF will, taken together, help support thousands of jobs and create economic growth as well helping to bring down our transport emissions, support our energy security and make the UK a clean energy superpower.
What recent progress she has made on discussions to establish a direct rail link between London and Cleethorpes.
The Secretary of State knows the introduction of a direct train to London from Cleethorpes and Grimsby has been a longstanding local ambition. We are working with industry to understand the timetabling, financial, operational and infrastructure issues that would need to be resolved before a service to Cleethorpes could be introduced, once the East Coast Mainline timetable change has been implemented this December. Infrastructure and operational assessments made by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Network Rail have confirmed that LNER services could call at Cleethorpes and Grimsby without major infrastructure changes. However, for LNER trains to serve Market Rasen station, significant infrastructure work, estimated to cost £15 to £20 million, would be required. The introduction of this service would be subject to funding and a thorough business case process.
What recent progress she has made with National Highways on the next round of RIS3 funding: and whether the A180 will be included in this funding stream.
The multi-year Spending Review, concluding in late spring, will help frame the 5-year RIS3 funding envelope that National Highways has to operate, maintain, renew and improve the strategic road network in the next road period starting in 2026. Once the level and profile of RIS funding is confirmed, National Highways can plan what it will deliver and when, including the scope, ambition and timing of major renewals projects, such as the A180 in North East Lincolnshire.
What estimate he has made of the potential cost to the public purse of the electrification of onshore marine ports.
We are committed to Britain becoming a Clean Energy Superpower and ports are a key part of that mission. Ports are primarily private entities and the cost of electrification of onshore marine ports varies from port to port depending on the port's needs. The cost can be significantly higher or lower depending on the electricity demand and the distance from a connection point.
What steps her Department is taking to develop the electrification of ports.
The new Government’s manifesto made it clear that the “grid has become the single biggest obstacle to the deployment of cheap, clean power generation and the electrification of industry.” My Department meets regularly with ports and District Network Operations (DNOs) to understand the challenges they face in relation to electrification, to signpost information and to raise their concerns across government. As a mission driven government, the Secretary of State for Transport attends the Clean Energy Mission Board, which is chaired by DESNZ Secretary of State, a key focus of which grid investment and connection's process reform.
What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of UK SHORE funding; and what is the status of the future of that funding.
The UK SHORE programme has funded over 150 projects and has leveraged over £100m private investment, supporting all levels of research and development including feasibility studies, trials and demonstrations in a commercial environment. The funding is benefitting all 12 regions in the UK, supporting over 350 organisations, including over 200 SMEs.All projects are detailed on Innovate UK’s website and we are conducting in independent evaluation assessment of the programme which is measuring its impact and helping us shape future support as well as policy.Following the Autumn Budget on 30 October 2024, DfT now has its budget for the next Financial Year (2025 / 2026). We are waiting for the internal business planning process to conclude before we can confirm what that means in terms of funding for individual programmes.