Written questions by Dhesi.

What recent discussions she has had with Transport for London on improving the accessibility of the network for disabled people.

Disabled people should be able to travel easily, confidently and with dignity. Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London on a variety of issues including accessibility of their network. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London, and TfL is responsible for managing the London transport network.

If she will take steps to increase the number of train stations which have step free access in the South East.

This Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and we are continuing to deliver the Access for All (AfA) programme. Since 2019, 22 AfA projects have completed in Network Rail's Southern region with a further 7 in construction or design and a further 15 currently undergoing feasibility studies.

What recent steps she has taken to help increase the number of (a) driving instructors and (b) examiners.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) does not employ driving instructors. Whilst DVSA does not have the power to either increase or limit the number of approved driving instructors (ADIs), the number of instructors on the DVSA’s ADI register has increased in the last few years. The number of new applications to start the qualification process to become an ADI has also increased and DVSA are using all available ADI examiner resources to provide as many ADI qualifications tests as possible, to ensure potential instructors can complete the process. On the 18 December 2024, DVSA set out plans to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. These steps included recruiting 450 driving examiners. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that she has asked DVSA to take action on four additional measures. These include: Incentivised additional testing offers for driving examiners – potentially creating thousands of extra tests per month.Doubling permanent training capacity for new driving examiners – meaning more can start carrying out driving tests sooner.A call for volunteers from those currently in other roles (but qualified to examine) to carry out practical driving tests. Further information regarding these measures can be found on GOV.UK

What recent steps she has taken to prevent block booking by bots for driving tests in Slough.

The table below shows the number of car practical driving tests booked and available in the 24-week booking window, as of 28th April 2025, for driving test centres (DTCs) serving customers in the Slough constituency: DTCCar practical driving tests bookedCar practical driving test availableSlough18361Yeading195232Uxbridge230920 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 and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. 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 this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

What recent assessment she has made of the availability of driving tests in Slough constituency.

The table below shows the number of car practical driving tests booked and available in the 24-week booking window, as of 28th April 2025, for driving test centres (DTCs) serving customers in the Slough constituency: DTCCar practical driving tests bookedCar practical driving test availableSlough18361Yeading195232Uxbridge230920 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 and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. 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 this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

Whether she has made an estimate of the number of additional lorry drivers required when volumetric concrete mixers operate at the standard weight limit for HGVs.

The call for evidence on Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs) conducted by the Department for Transport from October to December 2023 was an opportunity for respondents to present evidence, but it did not reveal significant new evidence supporting a change in policy.The outcome of this review was published on 18 March. This can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/volumetric-concrete-mixers-reviewCurrent exemptions to weight limits for VCMs will expire in 2028. This policy is being maintained.

What recent discussions she has had with construction companies on potential changes to volumetric concrete mixers.

My Department has engaged with hon. Members and the Volumetric Concrete Mixer (VCM) industry through correspondence. The call for evidence on this topic conducted from October to December 2023 was an opportunity for interested parties to present evidence, but it did not reveal significant new evidence supporting a change in policy.The decision announced reflects the continuation of the existing policy, as set out in 2018, that the temporary weight exemption for VCMs will come to an end in 2028.

What discussions she has had with the Civil Aviation Authority on their role in delivering economic growth.

I meet with the Chair and the Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regularly to discuss a range of topics, including the role of the CAA in delivering economic growth. The government’s new Action Plan for regulators contains six regulatory pledges from the CAA, alongside the commitments the CAA made in their letter to the Prime Minister in January 2025. The CAA will also play an important role in the planned expansion of Heathrow Airport.

Whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of constructing a western rail link to Heathrow Airport on (a) railway capacity on the Great Western Mainline between Paddington and Iver, (b) passenger numbers at Paddington station and (c) car use.

Any assessment of the impacts described would need to be carried out by the promoters of the Western Rail Link to Heathrow if it were to be required to support the expansion of the airport.

Whether the Civil Aviation Authority has undertaken any recent work with (a) her Department, (b) Heathrow Airport, (c) Network Rail and (d) others to make progress on the construction of a Western Rail Link to Heathrow.

Since plans for expansion were paused in 2020, the CAA has not conducted any work in relation to a Western Rail link to Heathrow. Should any such plans emerge as part of fresh proposals for Heathrow expansion, the CAA would review the elements of those plans relevant to its role as economic regulator of Heathrow in accordance with its statutory duties.

Whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on the potential impact of constructing a western rail link to Heathrow airport on the Government's net zero targets.

I am advised that no discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Energy, Security and Net Zero relating to the construction of a western rail link to Heathrow.

What assessment they have made of the potential impact of the use of AI in their Department on security.

Use of AI in the Department for Transport falls into a number of categories, each with different security assessment requirements.Where AI tools and services have been procured from third parties, the department’s supply chain assurance process ensures that security risks are considered and appropriately addressed.For AI tools and services developed internally, these are deployed in a secure environment following review by data protection, information assurance and performance evaluation specialists.In line with the Artificial Intelligence Playbook for the UK Government, staff in DfT are encouraged to make use of AI technology but DfT does not rely on AI for decision making. The 10 core principles outlined in this playbook ensure the appropriate use of AI within the OFFICIAL tier of government information.

What the median age is of computers issued to officials in their Department.

The response below covers the central department (DfTc) and the five Executive Agencies: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Active Travel England (ATE). Please note: DfT(c) handle all IT devices for Active Travel England (ATE) and so they are included in the returns for DfT(c). The median age of computers issued is below:DfT(C) (inc. ATE): 1.6 years old.DVLA: 2 years old.DVSA: 2.5 years old.VCA: 4.16 years old.MCA: 2.5 years old.

Whether she plans to update the national maritime security strategy, CP 724, published on 15 August 2022.

The Secretary of State for Transport has no current plans to publish a new national maritime security strategy. As announced by the PM, a new national security strategy will be published this summer.

What assessment her Department has made of the (a) accessibility and (b) ease of use of the delay repay systems used by each rail operator.

My Department conducts a bi-annual delay repay compensation survey which includes questions about accessibility and the ease of use of the system. The next survey is taking place this year and the results will be published in due course.

Whether she has taken recent steps to improve the resilience of railways to landslips.

Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager of Britain’s railways, has the main responsibility for maintaining the integrity and safety of the rail network from landslips. To this end, Network Rail has allocated £2.8 billion during Control Period 7 (2024-2029) to be invested on activities and technology to improve system wide resilience to extreme weather and climate change, including landslips.  These activities include both preventative and reactive measures, including reinforcing embankments, enhancing drainage systems, stabilising slopes, and using remote sensing and real-time monitoring to predict and monitor slope movements to enable early intervention.  Network Rail has recently invested £33m to prevent landslips on the Browney Curvey near Durham, £25m on the Severn Estuary line and £3.5m on the Edinburgh to Glasgow line.  Network Rail has also developed a range of measures to enable it to anticipate and mitigate disruption to the rail network caused by extreme weather, which are contained in its Weather Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation Plan.  These build on the recommendations of the Mair-Slingo reports, which were commissioned following the Stonehaven derailment in August 2020.

Whether she has taken recent steps to improve the resilience of railways to extreme weather conditions.

The Department for Transport has plans in place and underway with industry to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather caused by climate change on the railway.Network Rail, and the wider rail industry, are working to improve our resilience to climate change impacts and more widely to disruptive events. Network Rail published its fourth adaptation report in December 2024 which provided a more detailed and updated climate risk assessment and associated adaptation action. For the first time, two train operating companies published reports under the adaptation reporting power, recognising that the risks posed by the changing climate will affect their operations and customers too. In addition, adaptation commitments are being progressed in train operating companies' business plans for the first time.The Department is also planning to publish its finalised transport adaptation strategy which will set out priorities for adapting to climate change and help drive further engagement with industry.

What recent steps she is taking to ensure that privately owned e-scooters comply with the law.

The Department for Transport has previously written to micromobility retailers to remind them of their responsibility to provide their customers with accurate information about the legal restrictions on e-scooter use. The DVSA Market Surveillance Unit also carries out surveillance of e-scooter retailers to ensure they are being supplied in line with current legislation. When the MSU observes non-compliant advertising, they act to rectify this. Until any changes are brought forward and come into effect, private e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements, and rental e-scooters can only be used in national rental e-scooter trial areas. Law enforcement, including the enforcement of law on the road is an operational matter for the police, who will decide how to deploy available resources in dealing with all the issues for which the force is responsible, taking into account any specific local problems and demands.

What recent steps she has taken to help ensure that privately owned electric bikes comply with the law.

All e-cycles, whether privately owned or part of a rental scheme, must comply with the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983. The Department has published extensive guidance on this on gov.uk, which it recently updated. It also works with the cycle industry to ensure that retailers make clear to their customers what is, and what is not, a legal e-cycle. Where the requirements set out in the EAPC Regulations are not met in full, the e-cycle is classed as a motor vehicle and needs to be approved and registered with the DVLA, as well as being taxed and insured. Enforcement of these requirements is a matter for the police.

Whether she has plans to introduce legislation on the use of e-scooters.

The Government recognises the depth of public concern about the longstanding question of regulation for e-scooters and the need to address it. We intend to deliver an integrated transport system that reduces emissions, improves journeys, and gives people choice over how they travel, and we are carefully considering how micromobility, including e-scooters, can help to deliver these objectives.The trials of rental e-scooters are due to run until May 2026 and will help to build our evidence base and inform options for future regulation. Findings will be published once the evaluation of the trials has finished. No decisions have been taken on regulating private e-scooters, but the Department for Transport has committed to consulting on any future regulations before they come into force so that all interested parties have the chance to shape the new regime.