Written questions by Arthur.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase in (a) standing and (b) capacity charges on the commercial viability of EV charging infrastructure deployment.

Standing and capacity charges vary by site and location and are a matter for Ofgem as the independent regulator. Due to the commercial sensitivities of private companies, it is not possible for us to make a definitive assessment. However, we are aware of this issue through ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders. We, in collaboration with Ofgem, continue to closely monitor the situation. Ofgem will be undertaking a broad review of system costs and are considering with industry whether there are other cost recovery options.

Whether she plans to extend the Plug-in Taxi Grant scheme beyond April 2025.

The Plug in Taxi Grant (PITG) is funded until at least the end of the current financial year. All grants remain under review to ensure best value for the money for the taxpayer. The Department will provide an update on the future of the PITG before the end of the financial year.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the report entitled The cycling opportunity by Sustrans, published in September 2024.

The Department welcomes the findings of this research and will consider its recommendations carefully as we develop our future plans for active travel.

What steps she is taking to support Demand Responsive Transport.

The government believes demand responsive transport (DRT) has an important role to play in ensuring communities can access transport services in areas where more traditional, regular stopping services may not be viable.The government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December. The Bill puts the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England and is intended to ensure bus services reflect the needs of the communities that rely on them.We have allocated over £955 million to help support and improve bus services in 2025/26, including £712 million for local transport authorities (LTAs). LTAs can use funding to introduce DRT services in their areas where they believe it is appropriate to do so and will improve service provision.The Department is supporting DRT trials, funded through the Rural Mobility Fund, and is monitoring their impact. The results of this work will help inform future DRT schemes that local authorities might want to pursue.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing regulations on the replacement of windscreens on cars and other road vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

All drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles in a roadworthy condition at all times. The annual MOT test for cars over 3 years old inspects safety-critical components. Servicing is not directly regulated, and vehicle owners have the freedom to decide how their vehicle’s roadworthiness is maintained. However, it is recommended that, if your windscreen is replaced and your vehicle has Advanced Driver Assistance Sytems (ADAS), you use a trained expert who can ensure that those systems are correctly calibrated afterwards. Department for Transport officials have been considering how Advanced Driver Assistance Systems could be tested at the MOT, including through calibration, and officials have consulted with experts to better understand what technology is available and how such a test could work. This information gathering is ongoing and, once proposals are ready, ministers will consider the practicality and effectiveness of any measures before a decision is made.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing the recommendations of the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Alexander Irvine, published on 18 October 2024.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is considering the recommendations of the Fatal Accident Inquiry with the relevant medical advisory panel.

Whether she has received a response from the DVLA to the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Xander Irvine.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has responded to the Determination following the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Xander Irvine. This response can be viewed in full at www.scotcourts.gov.uk/fatal-accident-inquiries/fatal-accident-inquiries-and-determinations/fai-alexander-irvine-response/.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing Graduated Driving Licences for young people.

Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driving Licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are considering other measures to tackle this problem and protect young drivers.