Written questions by Cadbury.

With reference to the report entitled Walking and Cycling Index: UK, published by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust on 17 March 2026, what steps she is taking to support councils to lower speed limits.

Local authorities are responsible for managing the roads under their jurisdiction, drawing on their knowledge of local conditions and the needs of their communities. This includes the power to set local speed limits. Authorities may introduce 20mph limits in areas where people and traffic mix, such as outside schools, and they may also apply enforceable part‑time 20mph limits during specific periods, including school drop‑off and pick‑up times. Authorities will have our full backing when implementing measures that respond to the concerns of local people. As set out in the Road Safety Strategy the Government will be reviewing and updating its guidance, including ‘Setting Local Speed Limits’ and the ‘guidance on the use of speed and red‑light cameras’, to further support local authorities in making well‑informed decisions about managing speed on their networks.

With reference to the report entitled Walking and Cycling Index: UK, published by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust on 17 March 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential economic benefits of increased investment in walking, wheeling and cycling facilities; and if she will make a statement.

Active Travel England published research on the benefits of active travel investment in February this year. This research can be viewed at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluating-the-impact-of-active-travel-investment.

Whether she plans he has to introduce legislation to block third parties from booking driving tests.

The Secretary of State for Transport announced on 12 November 2025 significant changes to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) driving test booking system following a public consultation. These changes are being introduced incrementally during the Spring.DVSA announced on 3 February that the first change, which will limit the number of times a test can be moved or swapped, will be introduced on 31 March. Further changes will be brought in later in the Spring. This will include allowing only the learner driver to book a test, at which point approved driving instructors and businesses will no longer have access to the booking system.These changes are designed to prevent learner drivers being exploited by people who book up tests and sell them at inflated prices. A full impact assessment of the proposed measures has been carried out and reviewed by the Better Regulation Unit. This assessment will be published once the statutory instrument amending the legislation has been laid before Parliament.

How many qualified driving test examiners were available to carry out tests in (a) September, (b) October, (c) November and (d) December 2025.

The table below shows how many full-time equivalent (FTE) driving examiners (DE) employed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency were available to carry out practical car driving tests in September, October, November and December 2025. MonthNo of FTE DEs available to carry out practical driving testsSeptember 20251,464October 20251,485November 20251,539December 20251,542

How many driving tests were carried out in (a) September, (b) October, (c) November and (d) December 2025.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publishes data on the number of practical driving tests conducted by month on GOV.UK. This data is updated monthly and currently shows data to December 2025. The table below shows the number of practical driving tests conducted for September, October, November and December. MonthTests ConductedSep-25168,644Oct-25182,414Nov-25173,835Dec-25158,720

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of amending Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to include cats as an animal that drivers are required to stop and report an incident when they are involved in a collision.

Under section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, a driver is required to stop and report a collision involving specified animals including horses, cattle, asses, mules, sheep, pigs, goats or dogs, but not cats or wild animals. This requirement arises from their status as working animals rather than as domestic pets. To introduce such a measure within the provision of section 170 would require primary legislation There are no plans to amend section 170 of the Road Traffic Act to make it mandatory for drivers to report road collisions involving cats. Having a law making it a requirement to report road collisions involving cats would be very difficult to enforce and we have reservations about the difference it would make to the behaviour of drivers, who are aware that they have run over a cat and do not report it. Although there is no obligation to report all animal deaths on roads, drivers should, if possible, make enquiries to ascertain the owner of domestic animals, such as cats, and advise them of the situation. Since June 2024, all cats in England over 20 weeks of age must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database, unless exempt or free-living. This will make it easier for National Highways and local authorities to reunite cats with their keeper.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of updating the collection of STATS19 national collision statistics to allow for differentiation between e-bikes, bikes and motorcycles within collisions.

Currently the recording of e-bikes within STATS19 follows the relevant legislation, the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983, with officers encouraged in the STATS19 guidance (known as STATS20) to use an accompanying free text field to provide further details where possible.The Standing Committee on Road Injury Collision Statistics (SCRICS), which oversees the STATS19 collection, is currently reviewing the recording of vehicle and propulsion types within STATS19 with a view to providing better guidance to reporting police officers on the classification of e-bikes.

On what dates South Western Railway plans to retire its fleet of Class 455 electric multiple units; and what plans it has to maintain current levels of passenger capacity on their retirement.

Southwestern Railway is planning to retire the Class 455 fleet by the end of December 2025. The Arterio fleet introduction programme will fully occupy all of the previously formed Class 455 diagrams. Since May the number of new trains in service has quadrupled. The Arterio trains will provide 50 per cent increased capacity compared to the current 455 fleet in service. They will also provide accessible toilets, air conditioning, charging points at every seat, real-time information screens, onboard wi-fi and walk through carriages.

What steps her Department is taking to work with transport operators to mitigate the risks posed by cyber attacks.

The Department for Transport (DfT) works across Government to introduce relevant standards, guidance, and policy to ensure the cyber security and resilience of our essential services. DfT uses both policy and regulatory levers to support the transport sector to effectively manage cyber risk and assist the sector to secure its networks and systems. We work closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), operators across all four modes of transport, and others to continuously assess and mitigate emerging cyber threats to the sector. As Competent Authority under the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018 for road, rail and maritime and joint Competent Authority for aviation with the Civil Aviation Authority, DfT regulates transport Operators of Essential Services (OES) to ensure that services which are most critical to the British public are compliant with relevant cyber standards. We will use the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB) to strengthen our regulatory powers, improve incident reporting, and expand the type of entities in scope.

What the terms of reference are of her Department’s investigation into the possible use of defeat devices by automotive manufacturers; how many brands and models are in the scope of the investigation; when she expects that investigation to conclude; and what steps her Department is considering taking against manufacturers who have been found to have broken the rules.

The DVSA’s investigations are being conducted under their obligations as the delegated the market surveillance authority within Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council. There are currently 95 vehicle models from 28 brands under investigation. Due to the nature of the investigations, it is not possible to say when they are expected to conclude. The investigations are focused on achieving real-world improvements in air quality. Non-compliant manufacturers will be required to rectify their vehicles and bring them into compliance with the relevant emissions regulations. If enforcement action is required, it will be taken in line with DVSA’s published enforcement policy.

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on reducing the level of bike thefts.

The Secretary of State for Transport has not had any recent discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on reducing the level of bike thefts but I am aware that cycle theft is a major problem, particularly where expensive cycles are concerned, 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 cycle theft is an operational matter for the police.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2024 to Question 6277, what progress her Department has made on agreeing an exchange agreement with Kosovo.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has obtained further information that was required from the Kosovan Embassy to progress a driving licence exchange agreement with Kosovo. This agreement remains subject to public consultation and the introduction of domestic legislation and this work is ongoing.

With reference to Q146 of the oral evidence given by the Secretary of State to the Transport Committee on 23 April 2025, HC 346, when the National Highways’ safety action plan for 2025-26 will be published.

The safety action plan will form part of National Highways 2025-26 delivery plan for the Interim Settlement which will be published in the coming months.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of seeking an agreement with the European Union on the mutual recognition of (a) qualifications and (b) licenses for (i) pilots, (ii) flight crew and (iii) aircraft engineers.

The Government has been clear that it will work to reset the relationship with Europe, to strengthen ties and tackle barriers to trade. Establishing an effective personnel licensing regime that supports UK aviation remains a priority for us, and the UK is keen to establish closer cooperation on personnel licensing where possible to ease the current burden on UK and EU personnel.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 33910, how many staff were employed at the Fraud team at the DVSA at the end of (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021, (d) 2022 and (e) 2023.

The table below shows the number of people employed within the Counter Fraud & Investigation team at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency for the years ending 2019 to 2024. Year-endHeadcountFull Time Equivalent (FTE)Dec 20194847.26Dec 20204846.47Dec 20215049.25Dec 20224847.25Dec 20234847.6Dec 202465*59* *In 2024-25, the team dedicated to investigating fraud in the driver theory and practical test schemes was doubled as a result of additional funding provided by the Department for Transport.

How many driving tests were taken in England in (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021, (d) 2022, (e) 2023 and (f) 2024.

There are 65 people employed within the Counter Fraud & Investigations team at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This team work directly on the investigation of fraud in various areas of DVSA’s work such as the car practical and theory test, commercial vehicles and MOT.There are other teams within DVSA that are involved in its investigative and enforcement activities such as:traffic examiners who stop vehicles at the roadsidemarket surveillance teams who investigate aftermarket goodsintelligence unit staff who process and investigate information we receive on fraudulent activity.commercial vehicle team DVSA actively encourage and remind all colleagues to report, via the appropriate channels, any suspected fraudulent activity they encounter. The table below shows the number of car practical tests conducted (tests which have been passed or failed) in England per calendar year, for the years 2019 to 2024. Please note, for data on conducted tests in 2024, DVSA can currently only publish data up to the end of September 2024. YearCar Tests Conducted20191,625,5792020809,50920211,113,73520221,667,93520231,831,5882024 as of 30 September1,479,177 The table below shows the number of people employed at DVSA for the years 2019 to 2024. Year EndHeadcountFull Time Equivalent (FTE)December 201947524472.26December 202047334455.94December 202148694597.43December 202249114630.77December 202349444629.97December 202448814563.05

How many people are working on issues relating to fraud at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

There are 65 people employed within the Counter Fraud & Investigations team at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This team work directly on the investigation of fraud in various areas of DVSA’s work such as the car practical and theory test, commercial vehicles and MOT.There are other teams within DVSA that are involved in its investigative and enforcement activities such as:traffic examiners who stop vehicles at the roadsidemarket surveillance teams who investigate aftermarket goodsintelligence unit staff who process and investigate information we receive on fraudulent activity.commercial vehicle team DVSA actively encourage and remind all colleagues to report, via the appropriate channels, any suspected fraudulent activity they encounter. The table below shows the number of car practical tests conducted (tests which have been passed or failed) in England per calendar year, for the years 2019 to 2024. Please note, for data on conducted tests in 2024, DVSA can currently only publish data up to the end of September 2024. YearCar Tests Conducted20191,625,5792020809,50920211,113,73520221,667,93520231,831,5882024 as of 30 September1,479,177 The table below shows the number of people employed at DVSA for the years 2019 to 2024. Year EndHeadcountFull Time Equivalent (FTE)December 201947524472.26December 202047334455.94December 202148694597.43December 202249114630.77December 202349444629.97December 202448814563.05

How many people worked at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency in (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021, (d) 2022, (e) 2023 and (f) 2024.

There are 65 people employed within the Counter Fraud & Investigations team at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This team work directly on the investigation of fraud in various areas of DVSA’s work such as the car practical and theory test, commercial vehicles and MOT.There are other teams within DVSA that are involved in its investigative and enforcement activities such as:traffic examiners who stop vehicles at the roadsidemarket surveillance teams who investigate aftermarket goodsintelligence unit staff who process and investigate information we receive on fraudulent activity.commercial vehicle team DVSA actively encourage and remind all colleagues to report, via the appropriate channels, any suspected fraudulent activity they encounter. The table below shows the number of car practical tests conducted (tests which have been passed or failed) in England per calendar year, for the years 2019 to 2024. Please note, for data on conducted tests in 2024, DVSA can currently only publish data up to the end of September 2024. YearCar Tests Conducted20191,625,5792020809,50920211,113,73520221,667,93520231,831,5882024 as of 30 September1,479,177 The table below shows the number of people employed at DVSA for the years 2019 to 2024. Year EndHeadcountFull Time Equivalent (FTE)December 201947524472.26December 202047334455.94December 202148694597.43December 202249114630.77December 202349444629.97December 202448814563.05

What discussions (a) she and (b) officials in her Department have had with the Mayor of London on proposals for the West London Orbital railway.

Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). The Department for Transport works closely with TfL to understand the long-term needs of London’s transport infrastructure and opportunities to enhance its network, including potential major projects such as the West London Orbital.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of improving cross-borough public transport links in London on (a) the economy, (b) air quality and (c) social mobility in London.

Transport in London is the responsibility of the Mayor of London and Transport for London, including assessment of the economic, air quality and social mobility impacts of changes to London’s transport network. However, the Government recognises importance of London’s transport network for the capital’s and UK’s economy and for London’s air quality and social mobility, and at Autumn budget confirmed £485m of capital funding for investment in London’s transport infrastructure.