Every parliamentary written question tabled by Tom Morrison this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1–13 of 13 · Department for Transport
What steps she is taking to help tackle pavement parking.
On 8 January 2026, I announced the publication of the government’s formal response to the 2020 public consultation 'Pavement parking: options for change' which sets out what the government plans to do to tackle pavement parking. Before the end of this yea...
If she will take steps to extend the qualifying criteria for Blue Badges to ensure that people with (a) Parkinson's and (b) other fluctuating conditions are eligible.
This Government fully recognises the importance of ensuring that the Blue Badge scheme supports those who have their mobility impacted by substantial and enduring disabilities and other health conditions. The current eligibility criteria are focused on the impact on an applicant’s mobility, rather than based on specific disabilities or conditions, and can be found on GOV.UK.Whilst Parkinson’s and other fluctuation conditions are not automatically eligible for a Blue Badge, applicants may still be eligible for a badge based on the evidence provided. Any decisions on an applicant’s eligibility are ultimately for the responsible local authority.
How many and what proportion of vehicle accidents resulting in death or serious injury involved a vehicle without valid vehicle excise duty; and how many and what proportion of these untaxed vehicles were (a) driven by an uninsured driver, (b) not the subject of a valid MOT certificate and (c) both driven by an uninsured driver and not the subject of a valid MOT certificate.
This information is not held by the Department.
What estimate has she made of the number of vehicles with a SORN certificate that are still being driven on the public highway.
The Department for Transport last carried out a roadside survey in 2023 which estimated the rate of vehicle excise duty evasion among vehicles seen on UK roads. The survey results were published on 7 December 2023 and can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/vehicle-excise-duty-evasion-statistics-2023/vehicle-excise-duty-evasion-statistics-2023. Out of the unlicensed vehicles observed during the latest survey, five per cent were shown on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s database as having a current Statutory Off Road Notification in place.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring drivers to display proof of (a) insurance and (b) MOT in vehicles.
We have no plans to require drivers to display evidence of insurance in their vehicles, as it would only demonstrate insurance cover at one point in time, which may have since been cancelled. Uninsured driving is tackled by Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), which allows uninsured vehicles to be identified from a comparison of the DVLA’s vehicle register and the Motor Insurance Database of insurance policies managed by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). This and police enforcement on the road are the most effective tools to tackle uninsured driving. Although the MOT status of a vehicle is not required to be physically displayed, it can easily be discovered for free by entering the vehicle registration at https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history. This service can be used by both the wider public and enforcement bodies. It will immediately show the due date for the vehicle’s next MOT as well as other relevant information, such as previous MOT certificates. In 2023, the Department for Transport and DVSA published a call for evidence asking for views on the future of the MOT and this was not identified as an issue. As such, we have no current plans to require the MOT status to be physically displayed on the vehicle.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the end of the use of tax discs on (a) enforcement and (b) revenue from non-payment of vehicle tax.
In 2023/24, the DVLA collected £7.8 billion in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) on behalf of HM Treasury, the highest amount ever collected in one year. The Department for Transport carries out a roadside survey every two years to estimate the rate of vehicle excise duty evasion among vehicles seen on UK roads. The most recent survey carried out in 2023, estimated the rate of VED compliance to be 98.7 per cent. This demonstrates that the vast majority of motorists comply with their legal obligations to tax their vehicles.
What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of ride-hailing firms setting fares below local taxi tariff rates; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact this has on road safety due to excessive working hours.
All private hire vehicle journeys must be booked in advance, which enables passengers to compare prices. The setting of fares by private hire vehicle operators is a commercial matter for the company in question. As passengers may engage taxi services immediately in the street or at a rank, the 263 licensing authorities in England can set maximum fares to protect passengers. All road users are required to comply with road traffic law, in the interests of their own safety and that of other road users. Rule 91 of the Highway Code states “Driving when you are tired greatly increases your risk of collision…Do not begin a journey if you are tired”. If road users do not adopt a responsible attitude or if their use of the highway creates an unsafe environment, or causes nuisance, they may be committing a number of offences that can make them liable for prosecution. The Department issues Best Practice guidance to taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities in England. The increased risk that factors such as fatigue can play in road traffic collisions is highlighted in the Best Practice Guidance. As professional drivers, an appreciation of the effect of distractions and pressures which can negatively influence their driver behaviours is recognised and the guidance recommends that licensing authorities should require drivers to undertake training and/or assessment focussed on attitudes and behaviours.
What recent discussions her Department has had with local authorities on the public safety risks associated with ride-hailing firms operating outside their licensed areas.
Legislation has always allowed taxis and private hire vehicles to carry pre-booked fares outside the area in which they are licensed. This allows the sector to work more flexibly to meet the needs of their passengers. All licensing authorities in England have a duty to ensure that any person to whom they grant a PHV driver's licence or a PHV operator’s licence is fit and proper to hold such a licence. Licensing authorities have the flexibility to set the standards they consider appropriate for applicants to demonstrate this. To promote consistency in licensing requirements and policies for both taxis and private hire vehicles the Department for Transport has issued statutory and best practice guidance to assist authorities in setting high safety standards, and to promote proportionate regulation in relation to other requirements. Licensing authorities in England are required by law to share safeguarding or road safety concerns about taxi and private hire vehicle drivers licensed in other areas with the authority that issued the licence. The authority that issued the licence must then consider whether to suspend or revoke the driver’s licence. Licensing authorities do not have the power to regulate private hire vehicle fares, as such services must be pre-booked passengers are able to compare prices and other factors prior to booking the service. The Government recognises concerns around out-of-area working and is considering options to strengthen the regulation of the sector.
What guidance her Department is providing to local authorities on ensuring ride hailing companies comply with local authority fare regulations for private hire vehicles.
Legislation has always allowed taxis and private hire vehicles to carry pre-booked fares outside the area in which they are licensed. This allows the sector to work more flexibly to meet the needs of their passengers. All licensing authorities in England have a duty to ensure that any person to whom they grant a PHV driver's licence or a PHV operator’s licence is fit and proper to hold such a licence. Licensing authorities have the flexibility to set the standards they consider appropriate for applicants to demonstrate this. To promote consistency in licensing requirements and policies for both taxis and private hire vehicles the Department for Transport has issued statutory and best practice guidance to assist authorities in setting high safety standards, and to promote proportionate regulation in relation to other requirements. Licensing authorities in England are required by law to share safeguarding or road safety concerns about taxi and private hire vehicle drivers licensed in other areas with the authority that issued the licence. The authority that issued the licence must then consider whether to suspend or revoke the driver’s licence. Licensing authorities do not have the power to regulate private hire vehicle fares, as such services must be pre-booked passengers are able to compare prices and other factors prior to booking the service. The Government recognises concerns around out-of-area working and is considering options to strengthen the regulation of the sector.
What steps her Department has taken to protect small taxi businesses from the potential impact of ride-hailing companies operating in local authority-licensed areas.
Legislation has always allowed taxis and private hire vehicles to carry pre-booked fares outside the area in which they are licensed. This allows the sector to work more flexibly to meet the needs of their passengers. All licensing authorities in England have a duty to ensure that any person to whom they grant a PHV driver's licence or a PHV operator’s licence is fit and proper to hold such a licence. Licensing authorities have the flexibility to set the standards they consider appropriate for applicants to demonstrate this. To promote consistency in licensing requirements and policies for both taxis and private hire vehicles the Department for Transport has issued statutory and best practice guidance to assist authorities in setting high safety standards, and to promote proportionate regulation in relation to other requirements. Licensing authorities in England are required by law to share safeguarding or road safety concerns about taxi and private hire vehicle drivers licensed in other areas with the authority that issued the licence. The authority that issued the licence must then consider whether to suspend or revoke the driver’s licence. Licensing authorities do not have the power to regulate private hire vehicle fares, as such services must be pre-booked passengers are able to compare prices and other factors prior to booking the service. The Government recognises concerns around out-of-area working and is considering options to strengthen the regulation of the sector.
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of charging foreign-registered vehicles to use UK roads.
Foreign-registered heavy goods vehicles (HGV) are already charged to use UK roads through the HGV Levy. This is in recognition of the fact that HGVs can cause greater damage to road surfaces than other vehicle types. There are no plans to implement a gene...
Whether she plans to fund a Metrolink extension to Stockport before the end of this Parliament.
The Government is investing in transport improvements across our city regions, including Greater Manchester which is receiving over £1 billion through its City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. In line with the Government’s commitment to devolution...
How often she meets senior leaders at Northern Rail to discuss its service delivery in the north of England.
Ministers, and officials from the Rail North Partnership have regular meetings with Northern's management team to discuss how to improve its current performance across its network.