Written questions by Glover.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of contrail-mitigation measures in reducing aviation's climate impact.

The Government recognises that aviation has non-CO2 impacts such as contrails which may have significant warming impacts on the climate, although significant scientific uncertainties remain. The Government has funded 14 projects as part of our Non-CO2 R&D Programme to better our understanding of aviation’s non-CO2 impacts and to identify and develop potential mitigation options. The Department also established a Contrail Impact Mitigation Task and Finish Group under the Jet Zero Taskforce which assessed the UK’s capability to undertake contrail avoidance manoeuvres as a means of reducing aviation’s non‑CO₂ climate impacts. The report highlighted that the atmospheric conditions in the North Atlantic make it prone to forming persistent warming contrails. The report was published on 17 March 2026 and one of the key recommendations from this report was for the UK to undertake large-scale trials in the North Atlantic. The Department is carefully considering all the recommendations and is currently exploring options to fund a large‑scale trial in UK controlled airspace.

What the monthly average waiting time was for a car practical driving test at each driving test centre and zone for each month since April 2015.

The answers to Questions 6462 on 9 October 2024, and 89574 on 11 November 2025, provide data covering April 2015 to October 2025 respectively. The attached spreadsheet shows the monthly average waiting time for a car practical driving test at each driving test centre, and zone, for each month between November 2025, and February 2026. Please note, some driving test centres no longer conduct car tests or have closed. There are also some driving test centres that did not conduct car tests in some individual months.

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the car insurance taskforce’s recommendations on reducing premiums for consumers.

The cross-government taskforce on motor insurance was formed in October 2024, to fulfil the government’s commitment to tackling the soaring cost of motor insurance in the UK. The taskforce worked across government, bringing together departments and independent regulators to understand the complexities of the market and to agree a set of actions. Government departments and regulators are acting to address the broader factors that contribute to the cost of claims, such as vehicle theft and the cost of repairs. Though the taskforce has now concluded, the government will continue its work to deliver against the actions set out in the report.

What actions were taken as a result of the peer-to-peer car sharing roundtable, chaired by the Minister for Local Transport on 10th November 2025.

Following the November roundtable, the Department is actively considering the experiences shared by stakeholders along with the wider evidence base to develop appropriate measures to support the sector. This includes the role of local authorities in creating a positive environment for car sharing services in their local areas and how government can best support this.

With reference to the commitment made by the Minister for Roads and Buses in topical questions on 11 September 2025, col 1034, when she plans to reinstate the Car Clubs: Local authority toolkit, withdrawn on 15 May 2025.

The Department is considering how best to support local authorities in ensuring a supportive environment for car sharing services in their local areas and more information will follow in due course.

What steps her Department is taking to help support the peer-to-peer car sharing sector.

The Minister for Local Transport met with the car sharing sector in November to discuss challenges, opportunities, and how Government can help create a supportive environment for car sharing services for people across the UK. The Department is actively considering the experiences shared by stakeholders along with the wider evidence base to develop appropriate measures to support the sector, including peer-to-peer car sharing services.

How her Department is ensuring that peer-to-peer car sharing remains part of the UK’s wider strategy for decarbonisation and reducing congestion.

The Government understands the value of shared transport, including car sharing schemes, to reduce emissions and congestion, improve air quality and supports efforts to make it available to more people in the UK. The Department is actively considering the experiences shared by stakeholders along with the wider evidence base to develop appropriate measures to support the sector.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of regulatory and insurance barriers facing peer-to-peer car sharing platforms in the UK on the viability of those platforms.

I met with the car sharing sector in November to discuss challenges, opportunities, and how the Government can help create a supportive environment for car sharing services for people across the UK. As part of this, I heard about the barriers facing different kinds of car sharing services, including peer-to-peer services. My Department is actively considering the experiences shared by stakeholders along with the wider evidence base to develop appropriate measures to support the sector.

How long before the commencement of publicly funded works on the Lower Thames Crossing will the Full Business Case be published.

Construction enabling works for the Lower Thames Crossing have now begun on both sides of the River Thames. Ground works are underway to create haul roads and site compounds. Site compounds are under construction and utility works have commenced with connections to these. Ecological and archaeological works are also ongoing, as are extensive pre-construction surveys.The project continues to progress through the required assurance and governance processes. The next iteration of the business case will be developed ahead of seeking private sector investment.The project follows the standard Five Case Business Case model used for government projects. Funding decisions continue to undergo rigorous scrutiny and appraisal in line with Department for Transport standards and HM Treasury Green Book principles. The economic dimension of the business case will keep assessing Value for Money alongside the other four dimensions.

Whether her Department intends to review the policy framework for peer-to-peer car sharing.

The Minister for Local Transport met with the car sharing sector in November to discuss challenges, opportunities, and how Government can help create a supportive environment for car sharing services for people across the UK. While there is currently no national car sharing policy framework, the Department is actively considering the experiences shared by stakeholders along with the wider evidence base to develop appropriate measures to support the sector, including peer-to-peer car sharing services.

Whether her Department has (a) held meetings and (b) consulted with (i) railway companies, (ii) passenger groups and (iii) other stakeholders on potential changes to the Delay Repay scheme.

Ensuring that passengers can access compensation when they face delays is a key part of delivering a fair deal for passengers on the railway. We have one of the most generous Delay Repay systems in Europe. We continue to make progress on improving the ease with which passengers can claim Delay Repay, with the majority of Department for Transport contracted train operators offering automated 'one-click' compensation, and as we do so, we will continue to engage stakeholders where appropriate. Delivering Great British Railways (GBR) offers the opportunity to go further, removing fragmentation and making it easier and more convenient for passengers to claim Delay Repay, including through the upcoming GBR website and app.

Whether she is considering revising the Delay Repay scheme's eligibility criteria.

Ensuring that passengers can access compensation when they face delays is a key part of delivering a fair deal for passengers on the railway. We have one of the most generous Delay Repay systems in Europe. We continue to make progress on improving the ease with which passengers can claim Delay Repay, with the majority of Department for Transport contracted train operators offering automated 'one-click' compensation, and as we do so, we will continue to engage stakeholders where appropriate. Delivering Great British Railways (GBR) offers the opportunity to go further, removing fragmentation and making it easier and more convenient for passengers to claim Delay Repay, including through the upcoming GBR website and app.

What assessment has been made, as part of the Road Safety Strategy, of the contribution of delivery work - involving e-bikes - to deaths and serious injuries.

No assessment has been made as part of the Road Safety Strategy of the contribution of delivery work, whether involving e-bikes or other modes of road transport, to deaths and injuries. The evidence base for an assessment is limited but it is estimated that approximately 1 in 3 of all road traffic fatalities UK-wide involve someone who is driving/riding for work. The announced pilot in the Road Safety Strategy of a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive or ride for them, will be developed in collaboration with business and industry with an aim to collect and monitor data to enable an evaluation of the pilot. The Department for Transport is commissioning research on the road behaviours of food delivery riders using e-bikes. This is expected to take about a year, and we will of course publish the findings from it.

Whether her Department is developing an integrated safety strategy for the A34; and what discussions she has had with relevant local authorities on (a) funding and (b) delivery of safety improvements along the route.

National Highways’s route strategies are the principal evidence-gathering mechanism that informs investment planning for the Strategic Road Network. The A34 is considered as part of the ‘Solent to Midlands’ route strategy where ‘Improving Safety for All’ is a key theme and objective. There is significant consultation with local authorities and stakeholders in the formation of these strategies, and they are reviewed, and reconsulted on, as part of the development of each 5-year Road Investment Strategy cycle.

What further safety improvements are planned for the A34 beyond those currently underway; and what the planned timetable is for the completion of current works.

National Highways is currently undertaking a renewal of the road markings on the A34 from Chieveley to the M40, which is due to be completed by 18 March. It is undertaking studies into the safety performance of slip roads accessing the A34 from the communities of East Ilsley and Beedon, and this work is due to conclude later in the spring. It is also reviewing the access from Chieveley, and looking into options for flood reduction at East Ilsley.

How many train coaches that are fit for operational service are currently stored out of use in sidings.

Rolling stock that is currently on lease to train operating companies is either in operational use, undergoing routine maintenance, or in scheduled overhaul.Where leases have expired and rolling stock has been returned to its owner, responsibility for decisions relating to storage and condition rests with the rolling stock owning company. The Department does not hold information regarding the operational condition of rolling stock that is stored out of use and no longer under lease.

What steps she is taking to help promote and raise awareness of measures to prevent bike thefts such as insurance, appropriate bike locks, and police bike marking.

I am aware that bike theft is a major problem and that the fear of having a bike stolen can act as a serious deterrent to those who might otherwise want to take up cycling. Active Travel England is providing funding for local authorities to introduce secure cycle parking. Ultimately, enforcement of offences concerning cycle theft and advice on preventative measures is a matter for the police.

What steps he is taking to ensure illegally modified e-bikes and (a) identified and (b) addressed within the scope of the National Work-Related Road Safety Charter.

In our new Road Safety Strategy, published on 7 January 2026 we announced that we will pilot a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive or ride for them. This includes the use of HGVs, Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), cars, motorcycles, e-cycles and cycles. The aim of the Charter is to help employers to reduce work-related road risk and improve safety for all road users by promoting good practice, and to improve compliance with current legislation and guidance. The government will develop this Charter in collaboration with business and industry. The pilot will run for two years and will be monitored and fully evaluated.If the pilot and voluntary engagement is insufficient in reducing work related road risk, regulatory measures will be considered.

With reference to the National Work-Related Road Safety Charter, what guidance he plans to issue to riders of e-bikes on (a) training, (b) vehicle standards and (c) safe working practices.

In our new Road Safety Strategy, published on 7 January 2026 we announced that we will pilot a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive or ride for them. This includes the use of HGVs, Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), cars, motorcycles, e-cycles and cycles. The aim of the Charter is to help employers to reduce work-related road risk and improve safety for all road users by promoting good practice, and to improve compliance with current legislation and guidance. The government will develop this Charter in collaboration with business and industry. The pilot will run for two years and will be monitored and fully evaluated.If the pilot and voluntary engagement is insufficient in reducing work related road risk, regulatory measures will be considered.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the ability of autonomous systems to correctly interpret traffic signals at complex or partially obscured junctions in dense urban environments.

Self-driving vehicles will be expected to operate safely and legally on GB's road infrastructure as it currently exists, just as human drivers do now. Although not essential for safe self-driving, adaptations to roads and other infrastructure have the potential to bring benefits to both conventional and self-driving vehicles. Some functions for Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) technology, for example routing services, will require connectivity. Road authorities may choose to develop their networks to maximise the benefits of new technologies.