Richard Holden: The Government recently published a Plan for Drivers which included support for further Lane Rental schemes. These reduce roadworks by incentivising utility companies to avoid the busiest roads at the busiest times, helping to reduce inconvenience for residents. The Department is due to consult shortly on requiring local authorities with Lane Rental schemes to use at least 50% of any surplus...
Richard Holden: In England, the majority of bus services outside London operate on a commercial basis, and decisions about offering reduced or discounted fares for commercial bus services are predominantly for operators to take. Many bus operators currently offer discounted travel cards for younger people. Our most recent set of statistics shows that operators in 70 out of 84 travel concession authority...
Richard Holden: The fee for vehicle keeper data requests is set at £2.50 per enquiry. This sum covers the cost of releasing the information. The total income for all data requests is as follows: 2019-20 £23.29m 2020-21 £13.18m 2021-22 £23.90m The revenue received solely from dealing with requests from private parking companies cannot be separately identified from the wider range of requests...
Richard Holden: The design and location of street name signs are matters for local authorities. The Department has published guidance for local authorities in Circular Roads 3/93 ‘Street Name Plates and the Numbering of Premises’.
Richard Holden: The Department intends to publish funding allocations for individual local highway authorities shortly, which will make clear how much of the £8.3 billion uplift will be available in future years for maintenance of the highway network.
Richard Holden: Local speed limits are a matter for local authorities, who have the power to set their speed limits. While the government supports 20mph limits in the right places, we do not support them being set indiscriminately on all roads without due regard to the safety case and local support. We plan to review the current guidance to English authorities to ensure consistency on setting 20mph speed...
Richard Holden: Research on ‘Inflatable Protective Clothing for Motorcyclists’ was commissioned in December 2016. As the draft findings were inconclusive, the Department decided not to put any further resource into this research and the draft report was not finalised for publication. The Department does advise riders to wear protective clothing. Rule 84 in The Highway Code states: “Strong boots, gloves...
Richard Holden: Between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, ships' routeing measures adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for navigation and safety purposes, such as traffic separation schemes, operators and vessels are able to traverse any area of sea, or set up longer term regular routes where suitable market demand exists. Ferry routes are developed on a commercial basis by...
Richard Holden: The Government is technology neutral on the technology best suited to decarbonise UK’s road freight, but understands that recharging and refuelling infrastructure is key to a successful transition. The Department is working with industry stakeholders to develop a zero emission HGV infrastructure strategy for publication in early 2024. In parallel, the Department is investing £200m into...
Richard Holden: £6,942.16 was spent on courses purchased by the DVSA in the financial year 2022-23 relating to inclusivity, equality and diversity.
Richard Holden: The average waiting time in September 2023 for (a) St Helens North was 17 weeks, and (b) the North West was 19.1 weeks.
Richard Holden: Nothing.
Richard Holden: Government recently published a plan for drivers which included support for further Lane Rental schemes, which reduce roadworks by incentivising utilities to avoid the busiest roads at the busiest times helping to reduce inconvenience for residents. The Department is to consult on requiring local authorities with Lane Rental schemes to use at least 50% of any surplus on pothole repairs or...
Richard Holden: Local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Blue Badge scheme, although the Department for Transport provide the overall criteria nationally, and officials regularly engage with them about different aspects of the scheme.
Richard Holden: Ministers have had informal discussions with colleagues from time to time. The process for identifying and securing collective agreement to the approach the Government wishes to take on pavement parking in light of the consultation is ongoing.
Richard Holden: The Department for Transport (DfT) is in regular contact with haulage and transport businesses but has not made an assessment in the form suggested.
Richard Holden: Local authorities are required by the Environment Act 1995 to review air quality in their area and designate an Air Quality Management Area if improvements are necessary. Lancaster City Council is responsible for reviewing and assessing local air quality in this location. Through the Environment Act 2021, Government strengthened requirements for local authority Air Quality Action Plans and...
Richard Holden: The management of street lighting in England is the responsibility of local highway authorities. The Department for Transport encourages local authorities to consider best practice, such as being sympathetic to heritage areas, when making decisions about lighting on their networks. The Street Furniture Selection Guide, produced by Historic England, gives some information on heritage lighting...
Richard Holden: As of 18 September 2023, there were 561,275 car practical driving tests booked, and 64,817 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is taking all the measures it can to reduce driving test waiting times. This includes carrying out overtime, such as at weekends and on public holidays, including at Reading driving test centre...
Richard Holden: The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce last met in November 2021. The current priority for the Department for Transport, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, and Transport for London, is to deliver the stabilisation works and develop a business case for the second stage of works. A further meeting of the Taskforce may be considered when a discussion is required.