Written questions by Reader.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of reducing permitted weights for Volumetric Concrete Mobile Plants from 2028 on the manufacturing sector.

The Department ran a call for evidence from October to December 2023 seeking views on three potential options on weight limits for Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs). The outcome of this review was published on 18 March 2025 at the following link: www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/volumetric-concrete-mixers-reviewVCMs will continue to be permitted on our roads. A temporary weight limit exemption for this type of vehicle (via vehicle special orders) that was put in place to allow operators and manufacturers time to adapt, will end in 2028, as planned. Existing VCMs will be able to continue operating, but only within the applicable weight limits.

If she will make an asssessment of the potential merits of identifying a National Freight Network.

The UK has a complex national freight system handling millions of transactions every day. The merits of increasing our understanding of this system to inform policy making, regulation and investment interventions are well understood, and this Government is improving its data and analytical capabilities to do so. This will enable stronger interventions, including those that may be delivered through spatial corridor and network approaches.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of including in the integrated national transport strategy measures to (a) help increase efficiency and (b) support decarbonisation in the logistics sector.

The Strategy will set the high-level direction for how transport should change to better serve people and is currently in early development. Government recognises the importance of the logistics sector in delivering its missions and transport priorities, including driving economic growth and achieving net zero. We are committed to working with the sector to achieve this and will set out next steps in due course.

If she will bring forward legislative proposals to support the use of autonomous last-mile delivery robots on pavements.

The Government has no current plans to legislate in this space. However, we are determined to seize the opportunities of emerging micromobility and tackle any negative impacts which may arise. We are actively monitoring the industry, new vehicle types, and new business models, and we will keep under review the case for legislative change.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of including the regulation of self-driving delivery robots alongside other forms of micro mobility.

This government is determined to seize the opportunities of emerging micromobility and tackle any negative impacts which may arise. We actively monitor the industry and the new vehicle types and business models being developed while carefully considering policy steps to ensure these are operating safely and in the interests of our communities.

If she will bring forward legislative proposals to require that e-scooter (a) trials and (b) permanent schemes are run in away that (i) protects pedestrians from people riding on pavements and (ii) ensures safety guidelines are adhered to.

As you will appreciate, the new Government is still in its early stages, and I am carefully considering next steps for the e-scooter trials and wider micromobility rental and what legislative changes may be required in future. However, road safety is a top priority for this Government and any regulations will consider how to protect vulnerable road users and pedestrians, including the enforcement of any safety guidelines.

What her planned timetable is for determining whether to bring forward legislative proposals to make e-scooter rental trials permanent.

As you will appreciate, the new Government is still in its early stages, and I am carefully considering next steps for the e-scooter trials and what legislative changes may be required in future.

If she will review the re-opening of the Northampton to Market Harborough railway line.

The Government believes that local transport authorities and local leaders are best placed to prioritise and take forward transport projects which are most appropriate for the areas they serve, particularly where they will support economic growth, job creation, more and better housing, and, ultimately, demonstrate a good business case. I would encourage him to continue to engage with local stakeholders further on this.