Written questions by Rosindell.

What assessment the Department has made of the potential impact on New Zealand citizens living in the UK of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s current policy on licence exchange, particularly in relation to automatic-only restrictions.

There have been no changes in policy relating to New Zealand driving licences being exchanged for a GB equivalent. It has always been the case that a GB licence to drive manual vehicles can only be issued in exchange for a New Zealand licence when confirmation is supplied that the applicant passed a test in a manual transmission vehicle. Where such evidence has not been supplied, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will issue the applicant a GB licence with entitlement restricted to driving automatic vehicles. This policy has not changed and the DVLA accepts such verification from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). The DVLA maintains engagement with the NZTA which has confirmed that it is developing a single document which will specify whether a New Zealand driving test was taken in a manual or automatic vehicle or if the NZTA does not have this information. Up to date information on driving licence exchange arrangements is provided in the DVLA’s information leaflet INF38: Driving in Great Britain as a Visitor or New Resident. More guidance on driving in GB with a non-GB licence can be found at https://www.gov.ukY/driving-nongb-licence.

What guidance is provided to holders of New Zealand driving licences who seek to exchange their licence for a UK licence, and whether the Department plans to update this guidance to reflect current verification requirements.

There have been no changes in policy relating to New Zealand driving licences being exchanged for a GB equivalent. It has always been the case that a GB licence to drive manual vehicles can only be issued in exchange for a New Zealand licence when confirmation is supplied that the applicant passed a test in a manual transmission vehicle. Where such evidence has not been supplied, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will issue the applicant a GB licence with entitlement restricted to driving automatic vehicles. This policy has not changed and the DVLA accepts such verification from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). The DVLA maintains engagement with the NZTA which has confirmed that it is developing a single document which will specify whether a New Zealand driving test was taken in a manual or automatic vehicle or if the NZTA does not have this information. Up to date information on driving licence exchange arrangements is provided in the DVLA’s information leaflet INF38: Driving in Great Britain as a Visitor or New Resident. More guidance on driving in GB with a non-GB licence can be found at https://www.gov.ukY/driving-nongb-licence.

What recent changes have been made to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s policies on accepting New Zealand driving licences for exchange to UK licences.

There have been no changes in policy relating to New Zealand driving licences being exchanged for a GB equivalent. It has always been the case that a GB licence to drive manual vehicles can only be issued in exchange for a New Zealand licence when confirmation is supplied that the applicant passed a test in a manual transmission vehicle. Where such evidence has not been supplied, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will issue the applicant a GB licence with entitlement restricted to driving automatic vehicles. This policy has not changed and the DVLA accepts such verification from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). The DVLA maintains engagement with the NZTA which has confirmed that it is developing a single document which will specify whether a New Zealand driving test was taken in a manual or automatic vehicle or if the NZTA does not have this information. Up to date information on driving licence exchange arrangements is provided in the DVLA’s information leaflet INF38: Driving in Great Britain as a Visitor or New Resident. More guidance on driving in GB with a non-GB licence can be found at https://www.gov.ukY/driving-nongb-licence.

A) for what reason the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency no longer accepts verification from the New Zealand Transport Agency confirming that a driver has passed a manual transmission driving test, and b) whether this policy will be reviewed.

There have been no changes in policy relating to New Zealand driving licences being exchanged for a GB equivalent. It has always been the case that a GB licence to drive manual vehicles can only be issued in exchange for a New Zealand licence when confirmation is supplied that the applicant passed a test in a manual transmission vehicle. Where such evidence has not been supplied, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will issue the applicant a GB licence with entitlement restricted to driving automatic vehicles. This policy has not changed and the DVLA accepts such verification from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). The DVLA maintains engagement with the NZTA which has confirmed that it is developing a single document which will specify whether a New Zealand driving test was taken in a manual or automatic vehicle or if the NZTA does not have this information. Up to date information on driving licence exchange arrangements is provided in the DVLA’s information leaflet INF38: Driving in Great Britain as a Visitor or New Resident. More guidance on driving in GB with a non-GB licence can be found at https://www.gov.ukY/driving-nongb-licence.

What steps the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has taken to communicate with the New Zealand Transport Agency regarding the verification of manual driving test records for New Zealand licence holders seeking to exchange their licence in the UK.

There have been no changes in policy relating to New Zealand driving licences being exchanged for a GB equivalent. It has always been the case that a GB licence to drive manual vehicles can only be issued in exchange for a New Zealand licence when confirmation is supplied that the applicant passed a test in a manual transmission vehicle. Where such evidence has not been supplied, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will issue the applicant a GB licence with entitlement restricted to driving automatic vehicles. This policy has not changed and the DVLA accepts such verification from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). The DVLA maintains engagement with the NZTA which has confirmed that it is developing a single document which will specify whether a New Zealand driving test was taken in a manual or automatic vehicle or if the NZTA does not have this information. Up to date information on driving licence exchange arrangements is provided in the DVLA’s information leaflet INF38: Driving in Great Britain as a Visitor or New Resident. More guidance on driving in GB with a non-GB licence can be found at https://www.gov.ukY/driving-nongb-licence.

What steps she has taken with relevant stakeholders to help tackle illegal car sales.

While the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has no powers to govern how cars are bought and sold, it does play a key role in maintaining accurate records of vehicles and their registered keepers to support wider efforts to tackle vehicle-related crime. It is a legal requirement to notify the DVLA when a vehicle is bought or sold. The latest available data shows that more than 93 per cent of vehicle keepers are contactable and traceable from the information held on the DVLA’s records. Of the remainder, around six per cent are in the motor trade where a vehicle may legitimately have no registered keeper.

What steps she is taking to help tackle (a) untaxed and (b) abandoned vehicles on public roads.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) operates a comprehensive package of measures to tackle untaxed vehicles. These range from the use of automatic number plate recognition cameras, the wheelclamping and the removal and impounding of untaxed vehicles and court prosecutions. The DVLA works closely with the police and local authorities to address untaxed vehicles at local levels and to share intelligence to target untaxed vehicles. The latest information available, published in December 2023, showed that 98.7 per cent of vehicles across the UK were correctly licensed, an evasion rate of just 1.3%. More information is available at Vehicle excise duty evasion statistics: 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). The removal of abandoned vehicles is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. The police also have the powers to remove immediately any vehicle that is causing an obstruction, is likely to cause danger or is broken down or abandoned without lawful authority.

What steps she is taking to work with relevant authorities to reduce fare evasion on public transport.

There are expectations for the rail industry to take forward initiatives and reduce fare evasion. The effectiveness of the measures employed by Train Operating Companies are evaluated by the Department for Transport through a range of surveys. British Transport Police is committed to working closely alongside the railway industry to tackle fare evasion and regularly support with high visibility patrols at known hotspot locations. Additionally, the Government’s Bus Services (No.2) Bill also provides Local Transport Authorities with the power to create byelaws and deploy officers who can deal with anti-social behaviour and fare evasion on the bus network. Officers will have the power to issue fines, ask people to leave the vehicle, bus station or shelter and, if necessary, to remove them if they refuse to do so.

If she will make it her department's policy to ban (a) bilingual and (b) and foreign language street signs.

Traffic signs are regulated through the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. This does not permit languages other than English to be used in England. Traffic signs is a devolved matter with the Scottish and Welsh Governments being responsible for policy on signing within Scotland and Wales. Scottish Gaelic is permitted on some traffic signs in Scotland. Traffic signs in Wales are required to be bilingual in Welsh and English. Decisions on what to name streets are a matter for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Whether she plans to publish a (a) transition plan for the transfer of retail responsibilities from train operating company retail websites to Great British Railways and (b) timetable for formal market (i) consultation and (ii) tendering for future Great British Railways retail ticketing.

Once Great British Railways is established, it will retail online by consolidating individual train operators’ ticket websites. This will take place alongside a thriving private sector retail market, which will continue to play a key role in driving innovation and investment and encouraging more people to choose rail. The Railways Bill consultation took place in the Spring. As part of this process, the Government consulted closely with industry, the private sector, and wider stakeholders including in relation to the future of the rail retail market. A formal update will be provided in due course.

Whether she plans to provide an interim digital rail retail solution before (a) train operating company retail websites are turned off and (b) the new Great British Railways retail offer goes live.

Once Great British Railways is established, it will retail online by consolidating individual train operators’ ticket websites. This will take place alongside a thriving private sector retail market, which will continue to play a key role in driving innovation and investment and encouraging more people to choose rail. The Railways Bill consultation took place in the Spring. As part of this process, the Government consulted closely with industry, the private sector, and wider stakeholders including in relation to the future of the rail retail market. A formal update will be provided in due course.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of British aviation safety standards.

Recognised international metrics show that UK airspace and airlines are amongst the safest in the world. We have an exemplary record that ensures consumer confidence and international trust in the UK’s regulatory regime. The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety. The effectiveness of the standards are maintained through robust processes in place to ensure the safety of passengers. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets global standards for aviation safety to ensure there is a harmonization of standards. As a signatory to the Chicago Convention, we are responsible for ensuring compliance of all UK aviation authorities (UKAAs) we oversee, such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories. Both the DfT and the UKAAs are responsible for rulemaking processes regarding aviation safety and ensuring ICAO obligations are met.

What steps she has taken to ensure the safety of ground operations at English airports.

The safety of aviation, the travelling public and aviation workers is a priority for the government.Ground handling in the UK is transitioning to a more regulated environment to ensure that we uphold the excellent safety record of the UK aviation sector and continue to be compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. The Civil Aviation Authority is working on new Ground Handling Regulation that will be applicable at all UK Certified and Licensed Aerodromes. The development of these new rules acknowledges the important role of ground handling in keeping aviation safe for passengers and employees.

What steps she has taken to improve aviation interconnectivity between the four nations of the UK.

Airports serve our local communities by supporting thousands of jobs in the regions and acting as a gateway to international opportunities, alongside maintaining social and family ties and strengthening the bonds between the four nations. The Government supports connectivity across the union through our joint-funding of three Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes into London from Newquay, Dundee and Derry/Londonderry. Furthermore, the Aviation Futures Forum, which I Co-Chair, has agreed to establish a number of working groups including one on Regional Aviation. The Group will report back to the Forum in due course.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of British railways safety standards.

Britain’s railways consistently rank among the safest in the world, partly due to the robust safety requirements established in legislation.  These requirements include the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems Safety Regulations 2006 and a range of mandatory standards, including National Technical Specification Notices, rail group standards and rail industry standards, which are enforced by the independent railway safety regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).  The effectiveness of the regulatory regime for Great Britain’s railways was reflected in the ORR’s latest annual health and safety report published on 17 July 2025, which found that safety levels on the network remain high.  The Government keeps rail safety regulations under regular review, including by undertaking post-implementation reviews with industry, to ensure they remain fit for purpose and up to date.

What steps she has taken to work with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of commuters at (a) overground and (b) underground railway stations in England.

All rail operators and infrastructure owners, including those responsible for overground and underground railway stations, have statutory duties to ensure the safety of those using and working on the railways, including by managing issues such as crowding. These duties are set out in The Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (ROGS) and are supplemented by other health and safety laws. These laws, which are enforced by the independent railway safety regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, give the UK one of the safest railways in Europe.

What steps her Department is taking to tackle the use of cloned vehicle registration plates.

The Government understands how distressing this criminal activity can be for innocent motorists. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime, including the use of cloned number plates. The law requires that anyone who supplies number plates for road use in the UK must be registered with the DVLA. It is a legal requirement for suppliers to carry out checks to ensure that number plates are only sold to those who can prove they are entitled to the registration number. Number plate suppliers must also keep records of the plates they have supplied. The DVLA assists the police and Trading Standards in their enforcement against number plate suppliers who trade illegally. When notified, the DVLA will investigate and pass on intelligence to the police who are responsible for investigating this criminal matter.

What assessment she has made of the impact of regulation on small and medium-sized enterprises involved in the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuel; and whether she plans to simplify relevant processes.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 23/06/2025, to Question UIN 60297.

What steps she has taken with relevant authorities to improve the safety of train drivers in (a) England and (b) Romford constituency.

Ensuring the continued safety of train drivers across the national rail network remains a priority for my department. Train operators are subject to strict legal duties, which are enforced by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), to ensure that the train drivers they employ can work in safety. My department works closely with the ORR, the Rail Safety and Standards Board and the wider rail industry to keep these measures under review and to identify areas for improvement. This has included supporting research to improve the industry’s understanding of issues such as fatigue management and access to welfare facilities and the development of improved standards and guidance to codify best practice.

What steps she has taken to work with relevant authorities to improve the safety of bus drivers in (a) England and (b) Romford constituency.

The government have introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill which focuses on delivering safe, more reliable bus networks. The Bill sets requirements for mandatory training on how to recognise and respond appropriately to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour, on buses for staff, including drivers and those who deal directly with the travelling public or with issues related to the travelling public. Provisions in the Bus Services (No.2) Bill would also give all local transport authorities (LTAs) the power to make bus byelaws, which can be enforced by local authority officers on vehicles and at bus stations and stops. This, combined with targeted enforcement should lead to safer networks. Transport Safety Officers or Transport Safety and Enforcement Officers are also already operating in some areas.All LTAs in England are required to publish Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) with information on how they intend to improve services in their area. LTAs have been informed that BSIPs should include plans on how LTAs and local bus operators will work together to ensure that bus services are safe and perceived to be safe by all. This may include measures such as appropriate passenger safety training for bus drivers to deal with emergency situations on or off the bus and encouraging bus operators to liaise with local police and other stakeholders to address safety concerns.