Written questions by Voaden.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of timescales for medical driving licence renewals.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has seen sustained growth in the volume and complexity of medical licence applications which has led to increased waiting times for some customers. In the interests of road safety, the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a driving licence is issued. To improve its services to customers, the DVLA has introduced a new casework system and launched a new medical services portal, so the majority of customers can now apply online through the DVLA’s driver and vehicles account. This was launched on 31 March 2026. These enhancements, alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with these applications and answer telephone calls, are delivering real improvements in services and turnaround times for customers.

What steps his Department are taking to ensure motorists are not incorrectly pursued for parking penalties as a result of Automatic Number Plate Recognition misreads.

The law allows the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to provide vehicle keeper information to those who can demonstrate reasonable cause to receive it. The electronic release of vehicle keeper information to private parking companies following alleged parking breaches is subject to strict contractual terms. Companies must provide evidence of reasonable cause, ensure the accuracy of the information they submit, and confirm that the DVLA data matches the vehicle’s make, model, type and colour before pursuing the registered keeper. Errors by parking companies can occasionally result in motorists being pursued incorrectly. Although such cases are rare, the DVLA takes action with the parking company concerned and the relevant Accredited Trade Association where issues arise. The DVLA and the Government Internal Audit Agency also carry out audits to ensure information is requested and used appropriately and that recipients have effective internal controls to protect the data.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the criminal liability framework applicable in cases where (a) autonomous and (b) connected vehicles cause (i) death and (ii) serious injury.

With regard to autonomous vehicles, the Department has undertaken significant work to establish a revised liability framework, as enacted by the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. This Act follows the recommendations of the Law Commissions in 2024 that new legal entities be required to take liability when a vehicle is driving itself. These legal entities and their senior managers will be under a duty of candour requiring honest and transparent disclosures to Government, with failure to comply with this duty constituting a criminal offence (which may be aggravated in the case of death or serious injury).This approach underpins the regime set out in the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 and consequent regulations. The Department is currently considering responses to the “Developing the Automated Vehicles Regulatory Framework” Call for Evidence, which relates to these regulations.The facility to communicate beyond the vehicle, as connected vehicles do, does not of itself affect the liability of the driver under existing criminal law.

What steps she is taking to support the haulage industry with increases in fuel prices.

The Department for Transport recognises growing concerns around rising fuel and transport costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The Department fully recognises the need to maintain the continuity of critical supply chains and is actively monitoring any potential impacts. The Department will continue to work with industry to understand the pressures and options to mitigate any risks.

What steps her Department is taking to help support small independent lifeboat organisations.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) chairs UK Search and Rescue (UKSAR) on behalf of the Department for Transport. UKSAR supports national volunteer search and rescue groups, including independent lifeboat organisations, on a wide range of issues. The MCA's Rescue Boat Code introduced in 2013 is a key foundation for the safe and effective operation of independent lifeboats. The Code is currently being revised in consultation with all lifeboat operators to better support these organisations and to help clarify the responsibilities and requirements for all rescue boats to safely operate across the UK. Since April 2015, search and rescue charities, including independent lifeboats, may recover VAT on the purchase of goods and services used for their non-business activities.

What discussions the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has had with the fishing industry in the South West on the sinking of a vessel off the coast of South Devon on 11 October 2025.

The MCA did not liaise with the fishing industry in the South West during the operation pertaining to the sinking of a vessel off the coast of South Devon. The incident is currently subject to a debriefing process wherein upon completion there will be engagement directly with industry.

What his planned timetable is for informing local transport authorities of their Local Transport Grant allocation.

The Local Transport Grant (LTG) is a £2.3bn grant for local transport enhancements and maintenance, comprising both capital and resource funding from 2026/27 onwards. The grant is allocated to local transport authorities in England outside of London and areas that receive City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) or Transport for City Regions (TCR) funding. In June, individual local transport authority allocations for the £2.2bn of LTG capital funding were published on gov.uk, covering the years 2026/27 to 2029/30. In September, allocations for the remaining £104m of LTG resource funding were published, covering the years 2026/27 to 2028/29. Further transport funding allocations for local transport authorities from 2026/27 onwards, including for highways maintenance, buses and active travel, will be announced in due course.

What steps her Department is taking to improve transport services in rural areas.

This Government knows that integrated public transport is vital to keeping communities connected. We also know that in rural and semi-rural areas, bus services can be a lifeline for many and can be the only means of accessing services, including other modes of transportation such as rail links. The Government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, we are investing £1 billion this year to support and improve bus services and keep fares affordable. The Government confirmed a £2.3 billion investment in local transport through the Local Transport Grant (LTG) at the Spending Review. This funding is for smaller cities, towns and rural areas, and will enable local authorities to deliver more ambitious transport projects.

What support is available to drivers involved in accidents with untraceable drivers (a) in cases where the innocent driver cannot afford to wait the time it takes for the Motor Insurance Bureau to process a claim and (b) generally; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of measures to (i) expedite the claims process and (ii) provide interim financial assistance to such drivers.

The Department for Transport is a party to the Uninsured and Untraced Drivers’ Agreements with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). However, the MIB is an independent organisation within the motor insurance industry and is separate from Government. The MIB is responsible for decisions dealing with the investigation and payment of claims and there is no final appeal to the Secretary of State for Transport. This means that the Secretary of State has no role in the supervision of individual cases, which is the role of the MIB. Disputes that arise under the agreements are settled by way of arbitration. If a claimant is dissatisfied with the way that their claim is handled the MIB has its own formal complaints procedure.