Written questions by Holden.

Which councils applied to the July 2025 tranche of applications for moving traffic offence enforcement fining powers.

In July 2025, the following local authorities applied to the Secretary of State for designated powers to carry out civil enforcement in respect of contraventions of moving traffic restrictions:Brighton and Hove City Council, the Borough Council of Calderdale, Cornwall Council, Dorset Council, Kirklees Borough Council, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Milton Keynes City Council and Slough Borough Council. The applicable Designation Order (SI:2025/1181) came into force on 9 December 2025 in respect of these local authorities. A number of parking sector stakeholders conducted research into the issue of penalty charging levels, the findings of which we previously deposited in the House of Commons Library at the following link: https://depositedpapers.parliament.uk/depositedpaper/2287543/files. Officials are reviewing the research and its findings, and that will then inform decisions about next steps. The Department plans to publish the findings of the Call for Evidence: 'Restricting the generation of surplus funds from traffic contraventions' – commissioned by the previous Government – shortly.

What her timetable is for the Government response to the consultation on restricting the generation of surplus funds from traffic contraventions.

In July 2025, the following local authorities applied to the Secretary of State for designated powers to carry out civil enforcement in respect of contraventions of moving traffic restrictions:Brighton and Hove City Council, the Borough Council of Calderdale, Cornwall Council, Dorset Council, Kirklees Borough Council, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Milton Keynes City Council and Slough Borough Council. The applicable Designation Order (SI:2025/1181) came into force on 9 December 2025 in respect of these local authorities. A number of parking sector stakeholders conducted research into the issue of penalty charging levels, the findings of which we previously deposited in the House of Commons Library at the following link: https://depositedpapers.parliament.uk/depositedpaper/2287543/files. Officials are reviewing the research and its findings, and that will then inform decisions about next steps. The Department plans to publish the findings of the Call for Evidence: 'Restricting the generation of surplus funds from traffic contraventions' – commissioned by the previous Government – shortly.

Whether her Department plans to undertake a national review of penalty charge levels for municipal parking.

In July 2025, the following local authorities applied to the Secretary of State for designated powers to carry out civil enforcement in respect of contraventions of moving traffic restrictions:Brighton and Hove City Council, the Borough Council of Calderdale, Cornwall Council, Dorset Council, Kirklees Borough Council, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Milton Keynes City Council and Slough Borough Council. The applicable Designation Order (SI:2025/1181) came into force on 9 December 2025 in respect of these local authorities. A number of parking sector stakeholders conducted research into the issue of penalty charging levels, the findings of which we previously deposited in the House of Commons Library at the following link: https://depositedpapers.parliament.uk/depositedpaper/2287543/files. Officials are reviewing the research and its findings, and that will then inform decisions about next steps. The Department plans to publish the findings of the Call for Evidence: 'Restricting the generation of surplus funds from traffic contraventions' – commissioned by the previous Government – shortly.

Pursuant to the answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 87788, whether airport turnover and revenues were a material consideration in the determination of airports' Rateable Value in the revaluation of business rates; and what information airports are required to pass to the Valuation Office Agency.

The Rateable Value of a property is a measure of its annual rental value. The best evidence to use in undertaking such valuations is actual rental evidence. For some classes of property there is a paucity or indeed no rental evidence as these properties are rarely or never let on the open market. In such cases Valuers use other methods such as the Receipts and Expenditure method, which estimates the rental value from an analysis of the trading accounts of the business occupying them.When valuing by Receipts & Expenditure method considering accounts is a material consideration. The valuation is required to be carried out in relation to the relevant valuation date (01 April 2024 for the 2026 rating list). The accounts available for the years preceding that date should be considered to ensure that they fairly reflect the proper trading position at the valuation date. The outcomes of such valuations are then compared to the limited rental evidence available.

Pursuant to the answer of 13 January 2026 to Question 99932 on Railways: Government Assistance, what the estimated level of support is for the contracted operators and Network Rail in each year from 2023-24.

The Department’s support for the 14 contracted operators and Network Rail was £9.60 per passenger journey in 2023/24.  As explained in the response to Question 96260, this support reduced to £8.47 per passenger journey in 2024/25, and it is estimated that it will continue to steadily decrease each year of the Spending Review period.

How much funding has been allocated to railways in Wales in each year of the Spending Review 2025.

The 2025 Spending Review determined the allocation of railway enhancement funding over the financial years 2026/27 to 2029/20.The currently assumed annualised allocations for the £350 million committed for Wales rail enhancements within that period are as follows: Wales Rail Enhancements (£ million) 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 Total SR period UK Government Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP)82 88 83 49 302 Core Valley Lines enhancement funding paid to the Welsh Government1212121248Total (£ million)941009561350 This investment marks the beginning of a long-term UK Government commitment to modernise Welsh railways as announced by the Prime Minister on 18 February. Further UK Government funding allocations for rail enhancements in Wales will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews. Funding for the operation, maintenance, and renewal (OMR) of railways in Wales is separately determined under the Office for Rail and Road Periodic Review process. Funding to support passenger services operated by Transport for Wales (TfW) is a matter for Welsh Government (with the Department providing c.£20 million - £25 million p.a. in respect of TfW services operating in England, TfW's participation in Pay As You Go Fare schemes in England and to cover changes in Control Period Charges).

With reference to the Road Safety Strategy, published in January 2026, whether proposed new penalties for not wearing a seat belt will apply to passengers in a Hackney Carriage black cab in London.

As part of the Road Safety Strategy, the Department for Transport has published a public consultation on proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences, including seat belt usage. The consultation seeks views on strengthening sanctions for non‑compliance with seat belt requirements, including the potential introduction of penalty points, and additional penalty points for drivers who do not ensure child passengers are appropriately restrained. No decisions have been taken, including on the detailed scope of any changes or how they would apply in practice. The consultation closes on 11 May 2026. Policy decisions will be taken after the consultation has closed and stakeholders’ views have been considered.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Environmental Improvement Plan, published 1 December 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the new PM2.5 target on (a) the number of Clean Air Zones in local authority areas, (b) the charges and scope of existing zones and (c) other measures required to reduce car use by (i) central and (ii) local government.

Clean Air Zones have been introduced to reduce local roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations from transport. We are committed to reducing air pollution from all sources and using the most effective policy tools to do so.

Whether the growth duty will apply to the Civil Aviation Commission.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is covered by the current Growth Duty set out in Section 108 of the Deregulation Act 2015. This requires specified regulators to have regard to the desirability of promoting economic growth when delivering their regulatory functions; and to consider the importance for the promotion of economic growth of exercising regulatory functions in a way which ensures action is only taken when it is needed, and that any action taken is proportionate. The CAA voluntarily reports each year on its work to meet the Growth Duty. The Secretary of State laid the latest such report in both Houses of Parliament alongside the CAA’s Annual Report and Accounts in July 2025.

Pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2026 to Question 100884, if he will publish the information provided in the five requests granted in full.

The Hon. Member will be aware that, as also under successive administrations, the Cabinet Office does not routinely publish responses to FOI requests.

What assessment the National Cyber Security Centre has made of the potential impact of kill switches in Chinese-made (a) cars and (b) buses on cyber security.

Modern vehicles – including cars and buses – are increasingly using software to support safer driving, to improve diagnostics and to provide a host of other services such as navigation and entertainment. The Government takes national security extremely seriously and recognises the systemic challenges of increased connectivity and the cyber security implications for almost every area of government policy, including vehicles. The National Cyber Security Centre has published guidance to help organisations understand and manage the associated risks, ensuring that system connectivity is approached in a way that balances security with the significant benefits it provides. The Department for Transport introduced two new regulations: one to strengthen vehicle cybersecurity and one on software updates (UN Reg 155 and UN Reg 156). The cybersecurity regulation sets out requirements to mitigate potential threats in vehicle construction, to monitor emerging threats and to respond to cyber-attacks.

With reference to the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, 22 December 2025, whether her Department will make additional financial contributions to the European Union as a consequence of the new provisions on cooperation on maritime security and safety.

Although we have still to agree the detail of any provisions on maritime security and safety with the European Union, we do not anticipate that any such arrangements will require the United Kingdom to make additional financial contributions to the European Union.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the (a) regulatory and (b) fiscal environment on the car-sharing market.

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.

Pursuant to the answer of 11 November 2025 to Question 54870 on Parking: Fines, whether her Department holds a list of the 43 local authorities.

The Effectiveness of current civil parking penalty charge levels report, which has been deposited in the Library of the House, contains the full list of the 43 local authorities.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 November 2025 to Question 92911 on Driving under the Influence: Drugs, whether the figures for 2024-25 are the budgeted figures after the July 2024 reductions in communications spending.

The figures previously given for the total budgeted spend on publicity for drug driving in 2024-25 reflect the July 2024 reductions in communications spending across government departments.

With reference to the regulated public appointment, Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) - Chair, with application deadline of 22 September 2025, who the Advisory Assessment Independent Panel Member was.

The Assessment Independent Panel Member was Jacob Meagher.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 July 2025 to Question 65366 on Fixed Penalties, whether contractors will be permitted to (a) issue fixed penalty notices by the bus byelaws for profit and (b) pay staff per fine issued.

Guidance for local transport authorities on the byelaws provisions in the Bus Services Act 2025 is being developed and will be published in due course.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in business rates on planned private sector investment in Channel Tunnel rail services.

Business rates and the ongoing 2026 valuation process is a matter for the operationally independent Valuation Office Agency. The Government is committed to supporting a thriving and competitive international rail market, signing landmark deals with partner countries to establish new direct routes and working with industry partners to address the barriers to growth, paving the way for new entrants to the market and unlocking private investment.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 January 2025 to Question 100964 on DVLA: Disclosure of Information, whether he plans to remove access to DVLA data for traffic filters and 15 minute cities.

Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 allows the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to make information about UK vehicles and their registered keepers available for use by local authorities for a range of appropriate purposes. There are no plans to make changes to these arrangements.

With reference to her Department's document, the Methodology used to calculate ratings for local road maintenance, published on 11 January 2025, why was metric 9 on decarbonisation of road maintenance deemed relevant to fixing potholes and road conditions; and what assessment has been made of the reliability of electric battery powered highway maintenance vehicles in very cold weather.

Metric 9 considers both whether a local highway authority has plans to decarbonise its maintenance operations and whether it has plans to increase climate resilience. In relation to decarbonisation, lower carbon approaches to road maintenance, such as a greater focus on preventative treatments, are associated with better whole-life asset management. By treating roads preventatively before they require end-of-life replacement, local highway authorities can keep roads in good conditions for longer and prevent potholes, while also reducing costs and carbon emissions. In relation to climate resilience, extreme weather events such as the heavy rainfalls of the beginning of this year or the heatwaves experienced over recent summers can accelerate road deterioration. Adapting roads so they better withstand these stresses, for example by improving drainage systems and using heat-durable materials, helps to maintain good road conditions. It is for each local highway authority to determine which vehicles to use as part of its maintenance operation. As part of the Department's highways innovation programme, Live Labs 2, local authority-led consortia are trialling innovative road maintenance techniques and this includes the use of battery electric powered machinery. The delivery of Live Labs 2 is coordinated by the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) and they will publish the programme's findings once trials have concluded.