Every parliamentary written question tabled by Victoria Collins this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 41–50 of 50 · Department for Transport
If she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her decision on the application to expand Luton airport of the level of emissions from flights departing from that airport.
The statutory deadline for a decision on the application for a Development Consent Order for London Luton airport expansion is 3 April 2025. Given the Secretary of State’s role in determining the application, it would not be appropriate to comment on the application.
Whether she plans to update the policy paper entitled Airports National Policy Statement, published on 5 June 2018, to reflect the net zero targets set out in legislation.
The Government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once proposals have been received, the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement in line with the requirements of the Planning Act 2008.
If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of ultra fine particles at Luton airport on local residents.
There are currently no legal limits for ultra fine particulate concentrations. Air quality at Luton Airport is closely monitored and is reported in its Sustainability Reports.
Whether she has had discussions with the DVLA on the potential merits of accepting eye tests from certified opticians other than Specsavers for frequent license renewals where they are required.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will already consider eyesight tests carried out by opticians other than Specsavers. However, examinations carried out by Specsavers, as the DVLA’s contracted partner, ensure a consistent application of the required eyesight standards. Eyesight tests with an opticians other than Specsavers are carried out at the individual driver’s expense and the test may not meet the appropriate specifications, meaning that the applicant may still be asked to go for a further examination at Specsavers.
Pursuant to the Answer of 10 October 2024 to Question 900487 on Airports: Carbon Emissions, what strict environmental standards she will use to assess airport expansions.
The assessment of applications for airport expansion will take account of all relevant law, policy and other material considerations. This includes environmental assessments undertaken as part of the planning application process.The UK’s obligations on greenhouse gas emissions are set under the 2008 Climate Change Act. The UK also has legally binding targets to reduce emissions and concentrations of harmful pollutants, including a targeted 35% reduction in population exposure to fine particulate matter in England (PM2.5) by 2040 (compared to 2018 levels).
Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of enlisting approved driving instructors to carry out practical driving tests on a temporary basis; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of doing so on (a) surge capacity and (b) the backlog in driving tests.
It is not possible to allow approved driving instructors (ADI’s) to temporarily work as driving examiners. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination and prohibits a person from being an active ADI and an examiner simultaneously.
What steps she is taking to increase the availability of practical driving tests in Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times right across the country. I announced to Parliament via a Written Ministerial Statement on 18 December DVSA’s 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times. Details of that plan can be found on gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/car-practical-driving-test-waiting-times)
What data her Department holds on the proportion of train journeys that had Wi-Fi available on board in (a) 2023 and (b) 2024 to date.
The department does not hold this data as it is currently a matter for individual train operators. Under Great British Railways, a wider programme to deliver improved passenger Wi-Fi connectivity will be considered.
With reference to the report by the Climate Change Committee entitled 2023 Progress Report to Parliament, published on 28 June 2023, what assessment she has made of the compatibility of expanding Luton Airport with that report.
The Climate Change Committee published its most recent Progress Report to Parliament on 18 July 2024. The government will carefully consider all of the CCC’s recommendations and respond later this year. The statutory deadline for a decision on the application for a Development Consent Order for London Luton airport expansion is 3 January 2025. Given the Secretary of State’s role in determining the application, it would not be appropriate to comment on the application.
What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of airport expansion on the Government's ability to meet net zero targets.
This government does not oppose airport expansion as long as it provides economic growth and is compatible with strict environmental standards. We are considering our wider approach to decarbonising aviation and remain committed to achieving net zero target. We have made early progress on sustainable aviation fuel and we will deliver on airspace modernisation.