Written questions by Hudson.

What steps she is taking to help address safety risks from the abandonment of e-bikes on pavements.

We understand that e-bikes parked obstructively on pavements are not just an inconvenience but a real safety risk, particularly for vulnerable pavement users. That is why the licensing regime for shared cycle schemes which we are bringing forward through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will create a legal requirement for shared e-cycle schemes to be licensed by local leaders and will include minimum standard conditions to ensure a national baseline of safety. This will provide local leaders with greater powers to combat street clutter and misuse of shared vehicles.

What discussions her Department has had with the Mayor of London regarding graffiti on the Central Line.

Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London (TfL) on a variety of issues. However, transport in London is devolved to the Mayor, and TfL has responsibility for the management of the Central Line.

Whether her Department has had discussions with the Mayor of London on graffiti on the Central Line.

Department for Transport Ministers and officials have regular discussions with Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London on a range of issues, including London Underground maintenance requirements. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor and TfL who are responsible for the operation and maintenance of London Underground.

Whether she has had discussions with the Mayor of London on potential use of the £2.2billion provided in the latest multi-year settlement offer.

Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and TfL, and decisions on capital spend and investment are for him to make, including the almost £2.2bn of funding awarded for TfL through the Government’s Spending Review. My Department and I have regular discussions about transport interests in London.

Whether she has had discussions with the Mayor of London on proposed costs for upgrades to the Central Line's fleet of trains.

Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and TfL, and decisions on capital spend and investment are for him to make, including the almost £2.2bn of funding awarded for TfL through the Government’s Spending Review. My Department and I have regular discussions about transport interests in London.

What steps her Department is taking to support the maintenance of highways in Essex.

The Government takes the condition of our country’s roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local highway network. Essex County Council, as a local highway authority, is responsible for the condition and maintenance of its local road network. The Government has a manifesto commitment to enable local highway authorities to fix up to a million extra potholes a year. As announced on 20 December 2024, the Government has allocated Essex County Council £45.8 million during 2025/26 to help them carry out their local highway maintenance responsibilities. This is an increase of around 36% over the current financial year and includes a share of the additional £500 million announced in Budget 2024. It is Essex County Council’s responsibility to decide how that funding is used, based on local needs and priorities.

What steps she is taking to reduce the number of fires caused by batteries in electric bikes.

In February 2024, the Department published detailed safety guidance on how to buy, store and charge e-cycles and e-scooters. The Department for Business and Trade also launched a “Buy safe, be safe” campaign and further guidance in October 2024 to help users of e-cycles reduce the risk of battery fires. All of the information is readily accessible on gov.uk. The Government has also introduced the Product Safety and Metrology Bill. This will create powers that will allow government to set specific product regulations, including on batteries used in e-cycles. In the meantime, all e-cycles sold in the UK must comply with various product safety requirements, as must all mains battery chargers. The Department continues to work with other Government Departments and other stakeholders to understand why battery fires occur so that the Government can take any further action necessary to tackle the issue.

What information her Department holds on the number of fires as a result of batteries in electric bikes reported to emergency services.

The Department does not hold information on the number of fires caused by batteries in electric bikes. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published analysis of e-cycle and e-scooter fires in August 2024, which is available on gov.uk. It includes a summary of matters such as where these fires occurred; what types of e-cycle and e-scooter were involved; and how many fires led to fatalities.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of e-scooter use on the number of road related incidents in the last 12 months.

The Department collects road traffic casualty data for e-scooters using data reported by the police to the Department for Transport. In 2023 there were 1,292 collisions involving e-scooters, compared to 1,411 in 2022. There were 1,387 casualties in collisions involving e-scooters, compared to 1,502 in 2022, and of these 1,117 casualties were e-scooter users, compared to 1,154 in 2022. Our best estimate, after adjusting for changes in reporting by police, is that there were 416 seriously injured and 965 slightly injured in collisions involving e-scooters, this compares to 441 and 1,049 respectively in 2022. January to June 2024 provisional e-scooter personal injury collisions are due to be published at the end of November. January to December 2024 provisional figures are due to be published in Spring 2025.

Whether her Department has had discussions with the Mayor of London and Transport for London on improvements to the quality of service on the central line.

Transport in London is devolved and is the responsibility of the Mayor of London and TfL. Government has regular discussions with TfL on a range of issues, however, it is for them to assess the quality of their services and make decisions on investment.