Every parliamentary written question tabled by Vikki Slade this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1–20 of 34 · Department for Transport
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies on side zebra crossings of the (a) use of side zebra crossings in London, (b) use of side zebra crossings in Wales and (c) research conducted into side zebra crossings in Manchester.
Awaiting answer.
What data her Department holds on the number of medical license renewal applications made to the DVLA that were submitted prior to 31 March 2026 that have not yet been closed.
The number of medical licence renewals where customers are awaiting a licensing decision which were received at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) before 31 March 2026 is 68,489. This includes driving licence cases that have been re-opened fol...
Whether she plans to legislate on the proposals in the Road Safety Strategy.
On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. We will take a phased approach to deliver the commitments in the Road Safety Strategy. Some commitments, such as consultations on ...
If she will enable qualified optometrists to undertake age-related eye tests for use in driving licence renewals.
We recently consulted on introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over. The consultation closed on 11 May and we are now analysing the responses received. The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed ...
If she will make it a requirement for optometrists to share eye test results with the DVLA.
We recently consulted on introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over. The consultation closed on 11 May and we are now analysing the responses received. The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed ...
If she will consider requiring individuals whose vision without glasses does not meet the threshold for driving to carry a spare pair of glasses in their vehicle.
We recently consulted on introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over. The consultation closed on 11 May and we are now analysing the responses received. The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed ...
What recent progress she has made towards licensing acoustic speed cameras following recent roadside trials.
The Department for Transport conducted roadside trials of noise camera technology between October 2022 and February 2023. Reports of these trials, including detailed assessment of the technology’s performance and potential merits, were published on 17 Mar...
What steps she is taking to increase the use of recycled plastic materials in road construction.
The Department for Transport continues to support innovation in the local highways sector by creating the conditions for the safe and evidence‑based adoption of new approaches, while leaving decisions on specific technologies to local highway authorities. This includes providing a record investment of £7.3 billion for local highways maintenance over the next four years.In addition, through the £30 million Live Labs 2 programme, the Department is helping local authorities trial innovative approaches to road maintenance, including the use of recycled plastic materials in resurfacing. As part of this programme, North Lanarkshire Council has trialled a technology that replaces traditional oil-based polymers with recycled plastic, reducing carbon emissions from asphalt production by up to 20% while maintaining durability. Further information on this is available online, at: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/news/recycled-plastic-technology-used-uk-road-first-time.
What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Live Labs 2 programme.
The Live Labs 2 programme is supported by a built‑in monitoring and evaluation period that runs beyond the programme’s delivery phase, which is yet to conclude. Initial results published by the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) already demonstrate tangible progress, including East Riding’s award‑winning deployment of AI‑based video analytics to inform low‑carbon lighting strategies, and early findings from the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads, which has secured national recognition for its innovations in low‑carbon materials and asset management. The Department has recently confirmed the extension of the Live Labs 2 programme for an additional year. This extension is to support wider uptake of project findings across local highway authorities, particularly in relation to innovative, low-carbon maintenance methods.
Whether she plans to take steps with key stakeholders to increase access to workplace electric charging points.
The Workplace Charging Scheme enables businesses, charities, public sector organisations and small accommodation businesses to apply for up to 75% off the cost of buying and installing charge points, up to a maximum of £350 per socket. From 1 April 2026, the maximum grant rate per socket will increase to £500.
Whether she plans to take steps with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) stakeholders to allow private renters to install a home electric charging point.
The Government continues to incentivise renters and landlords to install charging infrastructure through our domestic charge point grants. Additionally, all new build residential properties, including rentals and leasehold properties, have been required to install a charge point since June 2022.We are considering what further policy interventions are suitable in supporting renters and leaseholders in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). In October 2025, we announced that we will consult on improving renters and leaseholders' ability to charge. This consultation will consider how to make domestic EV charging for renters and leaseholders easier and more straightforward.
What recent progress has been made on (a) the rollout of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund to local authorities and (b) increasing the number of electric charging points using the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund.
The Local EV Infrastructure Fund continues to make good progress. Nearly all grants under the LEVI Capital Fund have been issued to local authorities, with over half of eligible local authorities having launched tenders for private sector partners. The first projects have started installations, with many more expected during the course of this year.
If she will take steps to reduce speed limits on roads outside of schools to 20 miles per hour or below during school (a) hours, (b) arrival times and (c) collection times.
Local traffic authorities have the power to set 20mph speed limits where people and traffic mix, for example outside schools. They can also set enforceable 20mph limits that apply only at certain times of day, for example at school drop-off and pick-up times. The Government supports 20mph limits in the right places, particularly around schools or where walking and cycling levels are high. However, the Government does not support mandating a national change, as many roads are unsuited to 20mph by the nature of their function or geometry and could unintentionally reduce safety. Local authorities are best placed to decide where 20mph limits will work effectively based on local conditions and community needs. If, following consultation with local communities, local authorities decide to take such actions, they will have the Department's full backing. The Government expects local authorities to work with local schools, parents, and communities to address concerns about road safety in their local area.
Whether she has plans to make it a requirement for cyclists to wear high visibility attire when cycling on public roads.
There are no plans to make it a requirement for cyclists to wear high visibility clothing when cycling. However, cyclists should ensure that they can be clearly seen by other road users, both for their own safety and for that of others. This is in line with Rule 59 of The Highway Code which recommends that people who cycle should wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing to help other road users to see them in daylight and poor light, with reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark.
With reference to the Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January, whether her Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of existing road safety programmes delivered by (a) Police and (b) Fire services.
We welcome road safety programmes which are evidence led and contribute to improving road safety. The Department has previously funded the RAC Foundation Pre-driver Theatre and Workshop Education Research project, which ran from September 2019 to March 2023. Amongst the conclusions, the report suggests using “shock and tell” tactics and “threat” and “fear” appeals to teach the risks associated with driving does little to improve safety and may be counterproductive. I encourage all those who deliver road safety programmes to avoid this approach. As part of the Road Safety Strategy, we have committed to publishing national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety. Bikeability, the government owned cycle training programme, is funded by Active Travel England in schools across England. Up to £30m was allocated to the programme for 2025/26 and funding for the forthcoming 3-year period is due to be announced shortly. Almost 6 million children have received Bikeability cycle training since 2007, with 500,000 children booking onto training in 2024/25. The Bikeability Trust manages the programme across England and provides support and guidance to local authorities, training providers and schools in order to maximise the reach of the programme. Primary and secondary schools are free to teach about road safety awareness as part of their duty to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, and many do so through their personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) provision alongside the statutory relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) content. The updated RSHE guidance, published in July 2025, has a new section on personal safety which includes how to recognise risk and keep safe around roads. This can also include teaching about general road safety when using bikes in different situations. Schools can draw on resources available from many providers including, the Department’s THINK! campaign. We will continue to look at how we best evolve the THINK! campaign in line with the Road Safety Strategy, but resources currently include interactive games, printable activity sheets, and lesson plans tailored to different age groups from primary school aged children all the way up to secondary school and learner drivers. These materials are regularly shared on THINK!’s social media channels and distributed to schools and educators via newsletters and partnerships with organisations such as the Department for Education.
With reference to the Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January, whether she will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to include (a) the Safe Drive Stay Alive, (b) Think! and (c) similar road safety campaigns in Key Stage 4 Personal, Social, Health and Economic education.
We welcome road safety programmes which are evidence led and contribute to improving road safety. The Department has previously funded the RAC Foundation Pre-driver Theatre and Workshop Education Research project, which ran from September 2019 to March 2023. Amongst the conclusions, the report suggests using “shock and tell” tactics and “threat” and “fear” appeals to teach the risks associated with driving does little to improve safety and may be counterproductive. I encourage all those who deliver road safety programmes to avoid this approach. As part of the Road Safety Strategy, we have committed to publishing national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety. Bikeability, the government owned cycle training programme, is funded by Active Travel England in schools across England. Up to £30m was allocated to the programme for 2025/26 and funding for the forthcoming 3-year period is due to be announced shortly. Almost 6 million children have received Bikeability cycle training since 2007, with 500,000 children booking onto training in 2024/25. The Bikeability Trust manages the programme across England and provides support and guidance to local authorities, training providers and schools in order to maximise the reach of the programme. Primary and secondary schools are free to teach about road safety awareness as part of their duty to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, and many do so through their personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) provision alongside the statutory relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) content. The updated RSHE guidance, published in July 2025, has a new section on personal safety which includes how to recognise risk and keep safe around roads. This can also include teaching about general road safety when using bikes in different situations. Schools can draw on resources available from many providers including, the Department’s THINK! campaign. We will continue to look at how we best evolve the THINK! campaign in line with the Road Safety Strategy, but resources currently include interactive games, printable activity sheets, and lesson plans tailored to different age groups from primary school aged children all the way up to secondary school and learner drivers. These materials are regularly shared on THINK!’s social media channels and distributed to schools and educators via newsletters and partnerships with organisations such as the Department for Education.
With reference to the Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing (a) road safety and (b) Bikeability into the national curriculum for both (i) primary and (ii) secondary school children, as part of the Lifelong Learning for Road Users.
We welcome road safety programmes which are evidence led and contribute to improving road safety. The Department has previously funded the RAC Foundation Pre-driver Theatre and Workshop Education Research project, which ran from September 2019 to March 2023. Amongst the conclusions, the report suggests using “shock and tell” tactics and “threat” and “fear” appeals to teach the risks associated with driving does little to improve safety and may be counterproductive. I encourage all those who deliver road safety programmes to avoid this approach. As part of the Road Safety Strategy, we have committed to publishing national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety. Bikeability, the government owned cycle training programme, is funded by Active Travel England in schools across England. Up to £30m was allocated to the programme for 2025/26 and funding for the forthcoming 3-year period is due to be announced shortly. Almost 6 million children have received Bikeability cycle training since 2007, with 500,000 children booking onto training in 2024/25. The Bikeability Trust manages the programme across England and provides support and guidance to local authorities, training providers and schools in order to maximise the reach of the programme. Primary and secondary schools are free to teach about road safety awareness as part of their duty to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, and many do so through their personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) provision alongside the statutory relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) content. The updated RSHE guidance, published in July 2025, has a new section on personal safety which includes how to recognise risk and keep safe around roads. This can also include teaching about general road safety when using bikes in different situations. Schools can draw on resources available from many providers including, the Department’s THINK! campaign. We will continue to look at how we best evolve the THINK! campaign in line with the Road Safety Strategy, but resources currently include interactive games, printable activity sheets, and lesson plans tailored to different age groups from primary school aged children all the way up to secondary school and learner drivers. These materials are regularly shared on THINK!’s social media channels and distributed to schools and educators via newsletters and partnerships with organisations such as the Department for Education.
Whether she plans to take steps to collect information from on-board vehicle diagnostics systems at the point of (a) an MOT and (b) vehicle servicing to guide measures.
The Department for Transport and DVSA keep the content of the MOT test under continuous review. This includes considering how on-board diagnostics could be used in future to monitor systems such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. The Department does not regulate the content of servicing as every driver is responsible for maintaining their vehicle to a roadworthy standard. In practice most drivers rely on a garage servicing regime that can include the use of on-board diagnostics software.
Whether the planned minimum learning period for drivers will apply to learner drivers of all ages.
We are consulting on introducing a Minimum Learning Period for learner drivers and the consultation includes questions on what age of learner driver any mandatory requirements should apply to. Once the consultation has concluded, we will publish our response in due course.
With reference to her Department's policy paper entitled the Road Safety Strategy, published on 7 January 2026, whether she has had conversations with optometrists on mandatory eye testing for drivers.
My officials have met with various optometrist organisations (including the College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists) while developing the proposed changes to eyesight testing for older drivers, and we will continue to engage with optometrist organisations as our policies develop further. The consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers was published on 07 January. We welcome responses from optometrists and optometrist organisations. The consultation can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/introducing-mandatory-eyesight-testing-for-older-drivers/introducing-mandatory-eyesight-testing-for-older-drivers