Written questions by Arthur.

What assessment she has made of the extent to which Approved Driving Instructors are sharing their official driving test-booking login details with third parties in order to profit from the resale of tests.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country.While the majority of driving instructors who use DVSA’s booking services do so as intended, DVSA takes action to prevent learner drivers from exploitation and limit opportunities for misuse of the online booking services. DVSA have a zero tolerance for those who exploit learner drivers. In addition, DVSA will investigate any breaches reported to them. Since the pandemic DVSA has been aware of third-party websites selling driving test appointments at inflated prices and does not approve use of such applications. In January 2023, DVSA changed the terms and conditions for using the booking service to help prevent anyone from selling tests at profit.On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since the introduction of the revised terms and conditions, DVSA has removed access for 346 businesses and driving instructors for misuse of the booking service.The new terms and conditions make it clear that driving instructors and businesses must not book driving tests on behalf of learner drivers they are not teaching. They also stop driving instructors and businesses from using a learner driver’s details to book a driving test that they have no intention of that particular learner driver using.DVSA does not hold any information about ADIs sharing their official test booking login details and DVSA has not removed any approved driving instructors (ADI) from the ADI Register due to being involved in the reselling of practical driving tests. However, as stated above, where misuses of the booking service have been detected, individuals have had their access removed, to prevent the selling of tests. DVSA has also deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly and will continue to remove the accounts of those who are proven to have broken the rules.

When the Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency was made aware that Approved Driving Instructors were involved in reselling driving tests; and what steps she took to address the issue.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country.While the majority of driving instructors who use DVSA’s booking services do so as intended, DVSA takes action to prevent learner drivers from exploitation and limit opportunities for misuse of the online booking services. DVSA have a zero tolerance for those who exploit learner drivers. In addition, DVSA will investigate any breaches reported to them. Since the pandemic DVSA has been aware of third-party websites selling driving test appointments at inflated prices and does not approve use of such applications. In January 2023, DVSA changed the terms and conditions for using the booking service to help prevent anyone from selling tests at profit.On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since the introduction of the revised terms and conditions, DVSA has removed access for 346 businesses and driving instructors for misuse of the booking service.The new terms and conditions make it clear that driving instructors and businesses must not book driving tests on behalf of learner drivers they are not teaching. They also stop driving instructors and businesses from using a learner driver’s details to book a driving test that they have no intention of that particular learner driver using.DVSA does not hold any information about ADIs sharing their official test booking login details and DVSA has not removed any approved driving instructors (ADI) from the ADI Register due to being involved in the reselling of practical driving tests. However, as stated above, where misuses of the booking service have been detected, individuals have had their access removed, to prevent the selling of tests. DVSA has also deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly and will continue to remove the accounts of those who are proven to have broken the rules.

What assessment she has made of the extent to which Approved Driving Instructors are involved in reselling driving tests.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country.While the majority of driving instructors who use DVSA’s booking services do so as intended, DVSA takes action to prevent learner drivers from exploitation and limit opportunities for misuse of the online booking services. DVSA have a zero tolerance for those who exploit learner drivers. In addition, DVSA will investigate any breaches reported to them. Since the pandemic DVSA has been aware of third-party websites selling driving test appointments at inflated prices and does not approve use of such applications. In January 2023, DVSA changed the terms and conditions for using the booking service to help prevent anyone from selling tests at profit.On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since the introduction of the revised terms and conditions, DVSA has removed access for 346 businesses and driving instructors for misuse of the booking service.The new terms and conditions make it clear that driving instructors and businesses must not book driving tests on behalf of learner drivers they are not teaching. They also stop driving instructors and businesses from using a learner driver’s details to book a driving test that they have no intention of that particular learner driver using.DVSA does not hold any information about ADIs sharing their official test booking login details and DVSA has not removed any approved driving instructors (ADI) from the ADI Register due to being involved in the reselling of practical driving tests. However, as stated above, where misuses of the booking service have been detected, individuals have had their access removed, to prevent the selling of tests. DVSA has also deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly and will continue to remove the accounts of those who are proven to have broken the rules.

How many individuals had their status as Approved Driving Instructors removed by DVSA due to (a) being involved in reselling driving tests and/or (b) sharing there official driving test-booking login details with third parties in (i) 2022, (ii) 2023, (iii) 2024 and (iv) 2025.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country.While the majority of driving instructors who use DVSA’s booking services do so as intended, DVSA takes action to prevent learner drivers from exploitation and limit opportunities for misuse of the online booking services. DVSA have a zero tolerance for those who exploit learner drivers. In addition, DVSA will investigate any breaches reported to them. Since the pandemic DVSA has been aware of third-party websites selling driving test appointments at inflated prices and does not approve use of such applications. In January 2023, DVSA changed the terms and conditions for using the booking service to help prevent anyone from selling tests at profit.On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since the introduction of the revised terms and conditions, DVSA has removed access for 346 businesses and driving instructors for misuse of the booking service.The new terms and conditions make it clear that driving instructors and businesses must not book driving tests on behalf of learner drivers they are not teaching. They also stop driving instructors and businesses from using a learner driver’s details to book a driving test that they have no intention of that particular learner driver using.DVSA does not hold any information about ADIs sharing their official test booking login details and DVSA has not removed any approved driving instructors (ADI) from the ADI Register due to being involved in the reselling of practical driving tests. However, as stated above, where misuses of the booking service have been detected, individuals have had their access removed, to prevent the selling of tests. DVSA has also deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly and will continue to remove the accounts of those who are proven to have broken the rules.

Whether the review of the Airports National Policy Statement will include steps to increase access to careers (a) as pilots (b) in aviation generally.

A review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) was launched on 22 October. It provides the primary basis for decision making on development consent applications for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. The current ANPS sets out that any promoter should aim to maximise the employment and skills opportunities expansion brings, including apprenticeships, however it is site specific to Heathrow. This will be considered as part of the review.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of ship emissions at berth on disadvantaged communities living near ports; and what steps she is taking to help mitigate that impact.

In March, the Government published its Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy that will reduce the impact of shipping emissions at berth for disadvantaged communities living near ports. This includes expanding the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) to domestic maritime from July next year, putting a price on shipping emissions and incentivising the sector to decarbonise. The UK ETS expansion will include emissions from UK domestic voyages and all in-port emissions for vessels over 5000 Gross Tonnage (GT) at berth. The Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy also including a commitment to consider an at berth emissions requirement and we published the Net Zero Ports Call for Evidence to help inform that work. We are considering the responses to the Call for Evidence and what more may be needed to reduce emissions at berth. Alongside these domestic measures, the Government is also acting internationally to tackle shipping emissions. We are supporting the designation of the North-East Atlantic Emission Control Area at the International Maritime Organization. In combination with the existing North Sea Emission Control Area, this would ensure all UK waters are equally protected by strict limits on sulphur and nitrogen dioxides. Analysis supported by the Government indicates this will cut sulphur oxide emissions by up to 82% and fine particulate matter by around 67%, significantly improving air quality along the UK coastline and reducing health risks for coastal communities.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing standardised eligibility for the Blue Badge scheme across local authorities.

The standardised eligibility criteria for the Blue Badge scheme are published on GOV.UK. Local authorities are responsible for determining and implementing the administrative, assessment, and enforcement procedures which they believe are in accordance with the governing legislation. The Blue Badge scheme is devolved in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; each Devolved Administration is responsible for the scheme within their respective areas.

What steps her Department is taking to improve access to concessionary bus travel for disabled people.

Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area so the administrative arrangements in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ from those in England. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age. Local authorities in England have the power to use local resources to fund further concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, extending the times travel passes can be used. The government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish, including enhancing the concessionary travel offering for disabled people in the local area.

How many vintage cars were registered in Edinburgh in each year since 2010.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not capture information on whether a vehicle is classed as “vintage”. However, vehicles that were first registered or constructed more than 40 years ago may be able to be licensed in the “Historic Vehicle” taxation class and would be exempt from the payment of vehicle excise duty. The table below shows the number of cars licensed in the Historic Vehicle taxation class where the vehicle is registered to an address in Edinburgh. Information before 2021 is not available. YearTotal number of cars licensed in the Historic Vehicle tax class at the end of August of each year where the car is registered to an address in Edinburgh20211,92420222,02520231,97820242,18720252,237

What recent discussions she has had with motorway service station operators on the rollout of rapid electric vehicle charging stations across the strategic road network in England.

A reliable, accessible public charging network to support EV drivers on long journeys is essential to support the EV transition. The market has changed significantly since the Rapid Charging Fund was announced, with now over 6,000 open-access, rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints within one mile of the Strategic Road Network – more than quadrupling in the last three years (July 2022 – July 2025, Zapmap). We are adapting our approach to meet the needs of industry today. The recent Spending Review announced £400m for charging infrastructure, including to support charging on the Strategic Road Network. We will use lessons from the Rapid Charging Fund pilot and continue working with industry to target financial support where it is needed most.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure equitable access to public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in (a) rural and (b) low-income urban areas.

Transport, including the rollout of public EV chargepoints, is largely devolved to the Scottish Government. However, my officials regularly engage with Transport Scotland on zero emission vehicle initiatives, including charging infrastructure development.In England, the allocation of the Local EV Infrastructure Fund took account of both levels of rurality and the index of multiple deprivation when calculating funding amounts.

What guidance her Department provides to local authorities on integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure in (a) new housing developments and (b) public spaces.

In April 2023, the Department for Transport published guidance to support the installation of chargepoints in new housing developments, which includes answers to frequently asked questions. The Department also worked with the Institution for Engineering and Technology to publish a Guide to Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for Local Authorities in December 2024, which covers key aspects of EV charging infrastructure installation, including process maps, site selection, installation, procurement, and operational management.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing targeted fiscal incentives to support (a) small businesses and (b) community organisations in installing electric vehicle charging points.

The Government already offers targeted grant funding for local authorities, workplaces, small businesses, charities and public bodies. Grant funding can be used towards the purchase and installation of chargepoint infrastructure. The funding is available throughout the UK.

Whether she has considered introducing a national requirement for the PAS1899 accessibility standard for EV charging stations.

Earlier this year, the Government and Motability Foundation co-sponsored a review of the PAS 1899:2022 standards, and are looking to address challenges identified. The Government will continue to monitor the adoption of the standards and their impact on accessibility to assess the need for further measures.

With reference to the oral contribution by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport of 3 September 2025, Official Report, column 166WH, what the (a) cost, (b) terms of reference, (c) delivery schedule and (d) contractor was for the research she has commissioned on pavement parking.

My officials are in discussion with suppliers to determine the terms of reference for the current work in accordance with Government procurement requirements. They expect to issue the formal specification shortly. Given there are no existing measures of pavement parking, I anticipate this will include preparatory work to create the data-collection methods to be used, followed by a second phase which will be the data-collection fieldwork itself. Costs, and timelines will be finalised during the procurement process. Findings will be published as early as possible and no later than 12 weeks after the final outputs from the data collection stage are agreed in accordance with the Government Social Research Publication Protocol. This research seeks to measure the extent of pavement parking and its impacts and provide a baseline so that whichever policy we implement can be evaluated. It will not delay any policy announcement nor the publication of my Department’s formal response to the previous Government’s 2020 consultation.

What steps she is taking to support the increased use of Car Clubs.

Officials have met with Car Clubs as part of wider engagement on the Motor Insurance Taskforce. The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (VETS) Order offers bonus ZEV Mandate credits to vehicle manufacturers who sell zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) to car clubs. The Government is driving forward the expansion of public charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can confidently make the switch to an electric vehicle. The £381m Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund supports local authorities in England to work with industry and transform the availability of EV charging for drivers without off-street parking. And we are continuing to invest, with £400m announced at the spending review to support EV infrastructure out to 2030.

What steps she is taking to expand the provision of high occupancy vehicle lanes in England.

Decisions on the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes in England are a matter for individual local highway authorities, and the Government currently has no plans to expand or encourage their use.

What steps she is taking to support the increased use of (a) car-pooling and (b) lift sharing.

I am carefully considering how we can support and promote car club and car-sharing schemes. The Government already supports car clubs with bonus credits in the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate and guidance for local authorities on charging for car clubs. As I set out in response to a topical question from the Member for Brentford and Isleworth on 11 September, I will hold a roundtable with industry stakeholders in the near future to inform these considerations.

If she plans to have discussions with unions ahead of rail companies being taken into public ownership.

The Department and DFT Operator have regular discussions with trade unions on a range of topics, including the public ownership programme. Officials engage with trade unions throughout the transfer process, from the point of confirming when a train operator’s services will transfer into public ownership through to the transfer date and beyond.

If she will publish the membership and terms of reference of the Rail Engagement Group.

As part of our manifesto commitment to reset industrial relations, the Government is looking to establish the Rail Engagement Group (REG). It is intended that the REG will bring together leaders from the Department for Transport, rail industry and trade unions for strategic discussions about the railway, as we move towards establishing Great British Railways. Individuals have recently been invited to join the REG. The group’s membership will be published on gov.uk after it has been confirmed. The terms of reference will be published once agreed by the REG.