Written questions by Duncan-Jordan.

What her planned timetable is for making a decision on the request from BCP council to implement the measures trialled last August in terms of increased parking fines.

Awaiting answer.

What planning the Department has done to ensure people’s holidays aren’t cancelled this summer due to the jet fuel crisis.

Awaiting answer.

To assess the benefits of a temporary ban on private jet travel to save available jet fuel for commercial flights.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment the government has made of the benefits of banning private jet travel during the jet fuel crisis to conserve fuel.

Awaiting answer.

How she will ensure that regulatory frameworks keep pace with advancing drone technology and its potential for misuse.

The Department for Transport keeps the regulatory framework governing the use of uncrewed aircraft under regular review to ensure it remains proportionate, effective and fit for purpose, including in residential and sensitive areas. Following a review of the UK’s drone regulatory framework, new drones weighing 250g or more are required, from 1 January 2026, to be equipped with direct remote identification before being placed on the market. From 2028, remote identification will be mandatory for all drones over 250g and all drones with cameras over 100g. On 5 May, the Government announced an investment of £20.5m in a world-leading Hybrid Remote ID system to meet future security and airspace needs and improve traceability and accountability of drone operations. This will allow authorised authorities to identify and track drones and their operators in both real time and historic records to tackle illegal and unsafe drone use. We are also introducing enhanced identity verification by linking drone registration records to verified real‑world identities. The police powers introduced by the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft (ATMUA) Act 2021 alongside the CAA’s Registration and Education service, combined with the Hybrid Remote ID and identity verification ensure that all drone use receives the same high degree of oversight to ensure safety and acceptable use.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing Enhanced DBS checks for people applying for certain categories of drone operation, particularly commercial or higher-risk use.

The Department for Transport keeps the regulatory framework governing the use of uncrewed aircraft under regular review to ensure it remains proportionate, effective and fit for purpose, including in residential and sensitive areas. Following a review of the UK’s drone regulatory framework, new drones weighing 250g or more are required, from 1 January 2026, to be equipped with direct remote identification before being placed on the market. From 2028, remote identification will be mandatory for all drones over 250g and all drones with cameras over 100g. On 5 May, the Government announced an investment of £20.5m in a world-leading Hybrid Remote ID system to meet future security and airspace needs and improve traceability and accountability of drone operations. This will allow authorised authorities to identify and track drones and their operators in both real time and historic records to tackle illegal and unsafe drone use. We are also introducing enhanced identity verification by linking drone registration records to verified real‑world identities. The police powers introduced by the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft (ATMUA) Act 2021 alongside the CAA’s Registration and Education service, combined with the Hybrid Remote ID and identity verification ensure that all drone use receives the same high degree of oversight to ensure safety and acceptable use.

If she will consider introducing additional safeguards for drone use in residential and sensitive areas such as schools.

The Department for Transport keeps the regulatory framework governing the use of uncrewed aircraft under regular review to ensure it remains proportionate, effective and fit for purpose, including in residential and sensitive areas. Following a review of the UK’s drone regulatory framework, new drones weighing 250g or more are required, from 1 January 2026, to be equipped with direct remote identification before being placed on the market. From 2028, remote identification will be mandatory for all drones over 250g and all drones with cameras over 100g. On 5 May, the Government announced an investment of £20.5m in a world-leading Hybrid Remote ID system to meet future security and airspace needs and improve traceability and accountability of drone operations. This will allow authorised authorities to identify and track drones and their operators in both real time and historic records to tackle illegal and unsafe drone use. We are also introducing enhanced identity verification by linking drone registration records to verified real‑world identities. The police powers introduced by the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft (ATMUA) Act 2021 alongside the CAA’s Registration and Education service, combined with the Hybrid Remote ID and identity verification ensure that all drone use receives the same high degree of oversight to ensure safety and acceptable use.

Whether she plans to review drone licensing laws.

The Department for Transport keeps the regulatory framework governing the use and licensing of drones under regular review to ensure it remains proportionate, effective and fit for purpose. In 2023, the Department commissioned the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to review and streamline the regulatory framework for drones carried over from our membership of the European Union. The aim of that review was to simplify legislation and unlock the benefits of drones for the UK, while maintaining safety and security. The CAA ran a consultation, which received 3499 responses and concluded in 2025. The Government is taking forward a number of actions informed by the outcome of this review, including updates to the regulatory framework through the Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Regulations 2025. These introduce new additional requirements for the registration of drones with cameras, and the introduction of geo-awareness and remote identification to improve safety, security and accountability. On 5 May, the Government announced an investment of £20.5m in a world-leading Hybrid Remote ID system to meet future security and airspace needs and improve traceability and accountability of drone operations. This will allow authorised authorities to identify and track drones and their operators in real time and access historic records to tackle illegal and unsafe drone use. We are also introducing enhanced identity verification by linking drone registration records to verified real-world identities. We are also investing more than £26m this year to drive smarter regulation and make it easier for drones to be used in everyday public services and bring economic growth to the UK.

With reference to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council's document entitled BCP Council: Increased Penalty Charge Notice and Associated Charges Trial, published around February 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of that report's recommendations on motorists and local authorities; and whether her Department plans to adopt the recommendations of that report.

The Department is reviewing the findings of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council month‑long trial of higher PCNs.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of enabling concessionary bus pass holders to use services before 9am.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, between 9.30am and 11.00pm on weekdays and all day at weekends and on Bank Holidays. The duration of the concessionary period was set out in the Transport Act 2000. The ENCTS costs around £795 million annually in reimbursement to operators. Any changes to the statutory obligations, such as extending the times of use, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability. However, local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as extending travel times. The Government has confirmed over £3 billion from 2026/27 to the end of the Spending review period to support local leaders and bus operators across England to improve bus services. This includes multi-year allocations for local authorities under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) totalling nearly £700 million per year. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council will be allocated £17.1 million under the LABG from 2026/27 to 2028/29, in addition to the £6 million they are already receiving this financial year. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, which could include extending discretionary concessions locally.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of taking steps to tackle noise pollution caused by high powered cars and motorbikes.

The Government takes the impact of excessive noise on health, wellbeing and the natural environment seriously. Strict noise regulations for cars and motorcycles are harmonised at an international level and require vehicles to demonstrate compliance before being placed on the market. It is ultimately for local authorities and the police to consider what the most appropriate enforcement routes may be for addressing issues with excessive vehicle noise within their area. The use of noise camera technology has already been taken forward by some local authorities.

What steps she is taking to protect transport workers a) jobs b) pay c) pensions d) conditions and e) travel facilities in the context of the transition to Great British Railways.

In accordance with TUPE regulations, existing train operator staff transferring to the public-sector operator do so with their contractual terms and conditions protected. The trade unions (TUs) will be consulted at the earliest opportunity, if any changes to their members’ terms and conditions are being proposed as part of the transition to Great British Railways (GBR). In the meantime, we are keeping TU leaders informed on matters through the Rail Engagement Group. Regarding pensions under GBR, I can confirm that we plan for the Railways Pension Scheme to continue to be the primary vehicle through which most rail employees build up their pension provision. The protections within the 1993 Railways Act remain unchanged by the Railways Bill currently going through parliament.

What consideration has been given to legalising the use of electric scooters on roads for use by adults who also hold a full driving licence.

The Government has committed to pursuing legislative reform for micromobility vehicles when parliamentary time allows. This will create safe, legal routes for people to use new transport technology like e-scooters. Any regulations, including a potential requirement for users to hold a driving licence, will be consulted on before they come into force so that all interested parties have a chance to shape the new regime.

What steps she is taking to improve Poole train station.

South Western Railway (SWR) is responsible for making sure its stations are well-maintained and meet the standards that passengers expect. Now SWR is in public ownership, it is working more closely with Network Rail and together jointly developing a strategic station plan to improve the station building and facilities. SWR is also planning a station adoption group with local stakeholders to improve the general look of the station.

What steps is her Department taking to help ensure pedestrians are kept safe from accidents involving e-bikes and scooters.

The safety of pedestrians like all road users is a priority for this government.The Highway Code updates in January 2022 implemented a Hierarchy of Road Users. This places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision, such as pedestrians, at the top of the hierarchy.Our new Road Safety Strategy, published in January 2026 sets out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. The Strategy sets an ambitious target to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on British roads, including pedestrians, by 65% by 2035.We are also making our streets safer for pedestrians, by introducing new cycling offences in the Crime and Policing Bill to tackle those rare instances where victims have been killed or seriously injured by irresponsible cyclist behaviour.It is illegal to ride a cycle, e-cycle or e-scooter on the pavement; enforcement against illegal or irresponsible e-scooter use is a matter for the police.

What data her Department holds on the age of those responsible for road accidents.

Data on road collisions involving personal injury are reported to the Department by police forces in Great Britain via the STATS19 system. The latest year for which data is available is 2024. STATS19 does not assign blame to any party involved in a collision. The number of drivers involved in road traffic collisions by age, in Great Britain for the least 10 years can be found in table RAS0501 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/reported-road-accidents-vehicles-and-casualties-tables-for-great-britain#vehicles-and-drivers-ras05.

If she will review the awarding of the contract for DVLA required eye tests to Specsavers.

Following an open and fair competition, the current contract for Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) required eyesight tests was awarded to Specsavers in February 2025 and commenced on 1 April 2025. The contract is for three years, with the option to extend for two further oneyear periods. The DVLA will consider its future requirements for eyesight testing prior to the expiry of the current contract period. ‑year periods. The DVLA will consider its future requirements for eyesight testing prior to the expiry of the current contract. The DVLA will consider the results of vision tests carried out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist other than Specsavers. However, such arrangements are at an individual’s own expense and the test must be carried out to the required specifications. If the test does not meet the appropriate specifications, the applicant may still be asked to attend a further examination with Specsavers.

What assessment has been made of the potential merits of requiring cyclists to wear a high visibility jacket when riding on the road.

Rule 59 of The Highway Code recommends cyclists should wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing to help other road users to see them in daylight and poor light, with reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark. The Department considered making Rule 59 a requirement, rather than a recommendation as part of a comprehensive cycling and walking safety review in 2018. This concluded that the cost of introducing such a system would far outweigh the benefits. Restricting people’s ability to cycle in this way would mean that many would likely choose other modes of transport instead, with negative impacts for congestion, pollution and health.

If she will take steps to provide funding by the end of this Parliament to local authorities to enable them establish a minimum level of public transport connectivity.

The Government knows that a modern public transport network is vital to providing access to services and keeping communities connected. The Government is already providing funding to local authorities to help them deliver improved local transport and bus services. This includes over £700 million to support and improve local bus services in 2025/26 as part of over £1 billion confirmed at the Autumn 2024 Budget. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council have been allocated £6 million of this funding.At the Spending Review, we confirmed additional funding each year from 2026/27 to maintain and improve bus services and will announce individual multi-year allocations for local authorities later this year.This investment sits alongside the Government’s Bus Services Act 2025, which became law on 27 October. This legislation will put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders and is intended to ensure bus services reflect the needs of the communities that rely on them right across England. The Spending Review also confirmed £2.3 billion through the Local Transport Grant over the Spending Review period for local transport improvements in places outside areas receiving Transport for City Regions settlements. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been allocated nearly £20 million of this funding over the financial years 2026-2030.

Whether the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency plans to renew its contract with Specsavers to provide eye tests for people over 70.

All drivers who notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of an underlying medical condition that may affect their visual field, regardless of age, are required to have a visual field test with the DVLA’s contracted eye test provider. Specsavers. The current contract for this purpose was awarded to Specsavers in February 2025 following a competitive tender exercise. The contract is for three years with the option to extend for up to another two years.