Written questions by Hayes.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of banning the (a) sale and (b) import of devices which allow the 15.5 mph speed limit to be removed.

Whilst the department has no plans to make an assessment on this, product safety laws already set requirements for the safety of consumer products placed on the market. This includes e-bikes and related accessories. Manufacturers and importers must ensure that their products comply with this legislation, and distributors must not supply products that they know, or should know, to be dangerous.The Government’s Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will provide powers to further strengthen our product safety framework.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislation to limit the speed of e-scooters.

E-scooters used as part of the ongoing e-scooter trials are already limited to 15.5mph. Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements, and enforcement is a matter for the police. No policy decisions on micromobility or e-scooter regulations have yet been made. The Department will consult on any new proposed regulations before they come into force, including on maximum speeds.

If she will take steps to cap the administration fee charged by third party train ticket websites.

Third-party retailers have the option to charge a booking fee on their website, though not all of them do. Passengers can book rail tickets without a booking fee by purchasing direct from one of the train operating company websites/apps. Last year the Off...

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of creating a commuter pass similar to the Swiss Half Fare card that allows individuals to pay an upfront premium for a yearly pass and receive half price

There are many Railcards that provide eligible passengers a one third discount off the cost of most rail fares. Some Railcards in this suite can be used during the morning peak, although the 16-25, 26-30 and Veterans’ Railcards have a £12 minimum fare bef...

If she will take legislative steps to limit the increase in the cost of single journey rail tickets relative to return tickets.

Regulated fares make up around 45 per cent of rail fares and include commuter fares, such as season ticket and shorter-distance peak return, alongside longer-distance off-peak returns to ensure an affordable, walk-up option is available for leisure passen...

What steps her Department is taking to help reduce disruption to road users from utility companies undertaking road works.

The Government is committed to supporting the effective planning and management of road works by utility companies and local authorities.  Works are needed to install and maintain the services on which we all rely and to, for example, roll out broadband a...

Whether she is taking steps to support local authorities in improving enforcement of licence conditions for street works.

The Department for Transport introduced a performance-based inspections regime in April 2023 to ensure utility companies were incentivised to produce reinstatements that are fit for purpose following works and comply with site safety requirements.  This c...

Whether she is taking steps to support local authorities in establishing lane rental schemes.

The Government recognises that lane rental schemes have proven to be an effective way of reducing congestion from works on the busiest streets at the busiest times.  I have just approved a new scheme in East Sussex.  To support local areas who wish to app...

Whether her Department is taking steps to review the (a) operation and (b) fines attached to Parking Charge Notices.

We have no current plans to raise on-street parking penalty charges. It is important to strike the right balance between deterrence and fairness. Organisations representing local authorities have undertaken research into penalty charge levels and shared t...

Whether her Department is taking steps with the motor industry to improve the affordability of electric vehicles.

The Government is reducing the upfront cost for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) by providing plug-in vehicle grants for vans, trucks, motorcycles, taxis and wheelchair accessible vehicles.Drivers of ZEVs also benefit from favourable tax rates, such as gener...