Tag: Department for Transport

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 January 2026.

Have your say on our proposals to simplify the taxi licensing system and improve enforcement to increase safety and reduce unfair competition.

• proposals to reduce the practice of ‘out-of-area’ working, which sees drivers obtaining their licence in one area and operating mainly in another
• changes would simplify how taxi and private hire vehicle drivers get their licences by putting the power in the hands of local transport authorities
• step towards making our streets safer, especially for women and girls, helping deliver on the government’s Plan for Change

Women and girls will be better protected under government plans to reduce ‘out-of-area’ working by taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers.  

Currently, 263 different bodies issue licences to drivers, including councils and Transport for London (TfL). But under the proposals set out in a new consultation launched by the Department for Transport (DfT) today (8 January 2026), this would be reduced to 70 local transport authorities (LTAs), which already manage local transport planning.

This change would simplify the licensing system, improve enforcement and tackle ‘out-of-area’ working, which happens when drivers licensed in one area operate mainly in another, creating safety risks and unfair competition.

By reducing the number of licensing authorities, the number of boundaries between areas is reduced and licensees would have fewer opportunities to seek out less stringent licensing rules. For example, currently in Greater Manchester, there are 10 licensing authorities. However, under the proposals, this would be reduced to just one licensing authority.

These proposals form part of the government’s response to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which highlighted the issue of ‘out-of-area’ working and recommended more rigorous statutory standards for local authority licensing and regulation of taxi drivers.  

Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: 

Passenger safety is at the heart of everything we do. These proposals, combined with the introduction of national minimum standards, are important next steps to making taxis and private hire vehicles as safe as possible.

By moving licensing to all local transport authorities, we’re encouraging greater consistency and stronger enforcement across the country.

A spokesperson for the Licensed Private Hire Car Association said: 

We are delighted that the government is consulting on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.

Reducing the number of licensing authorities should enable licensing efficiencies and consistency of standards nationally for taxis and private hire vehicles, which in turn will improve safety for the travelling public.

This public consultation will run for 12 weeks and is available on GOV.UK.   

This consultation follows proposed new standards on taxi licensing to strengthen safety and protections for passengers in taxis and private hire vehicles.

Under the new rules, the Transport Secretary would have the power to introduce national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing.

This would see all drivers subject to robust checks and would mean passengers can feel safe in the knowledge that their taxis and PHVs meet strict national standards, no matter where they are in the country.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 January 2026.

Local councils will be given the power to crack down on problem pavement parking.

• keeping pavements clear helps parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and blind or partially sighted people travel more safely and independently
• local leaders know their streets best and will intend on being given the power to take action where pavement parking causes the greatest problems locally
• this locally-led approach supports the government’s drive to make transport and public spaces more accessible, improving safety while recognising local parking needs

Disabled people will benefit from new local powers being made available to local leaders across England to introduce pavement parking restrictions across their area, helping keep them clear and accessible for everyone who uses them, while allowing exemptions where needed.

Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people and older people, limiting independence and making everyday journeys harder and less safe. 

Following a public consultation, the Department for Transport has confirmed that local leaders will be given new and improved legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas, rather than relying on the previous approach, where action is often limited to individual streets and requires lengthy, complex processes.

Local leaders know their streets best and are best placed to respond to local needs. Under the new approach, local leaders will be able to decide to take action on pavement parking in their area, and they will retain flexibility where they deem pavement parking may still be acceptable.

Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person.

That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.

Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive, Andrew Lennox, said: 

After years of campaigning, we welcome the announcement to give councils greater powers to tackle problem pavement parking.

Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with sight loss, who can be forced into the road with traffic they can’t see. Pavement parking is also a barrier that shuts people out of everyday life. When pavements are blocked, people with sight loss lose confidence, independence and the freedom to travel safely. This stops people accessing work, education and social opportunities.

We look forward to working with the government and local authorities to ensure these changes are introduced quickly and consistently enforced so pavement parking becomes a thing of the past.

RAC Senior Policy Officer, Rod Dennis, said:

Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking.

These proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn’t inconvenience other people.

Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said: 

Clear pavements matter. For parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and people who are blind or partially sighted, a blocked pavement is not a minor inconvenience – it can stop a journey altogether and is a risk to people’s safety.

Most drivers want to park safely and considerately and these new powers help in areas where dangerous parking causes real problems.

Giving decisions to local leaders means solutions that reflect how our streets actually work. It’s a practical step that helps people move around safely, confidently and independently in their own communities.

The department will set out guidance to help local authorities use these powers in a proportionate and locally appropriate way later in 2026.

By putting decision-making closer to communities, the approach supports safer, more inclusive streets that work better for everyone. This forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, making transport more accessible and inclusive and supporting growth by ensuring our streets and public spaces work for all.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 January 2026.

New road safety strategy shows that the government is listening and leading: together, we can build a safer future for all UK road users.

• government announces its first road safety strategy in over a decade, with a plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035
• new consultations on minimum learning period for learner drivers, eye tests for older drivers and lowering the alcohol limit for driving to help prevent causes of collisions
• the strategy will help save thousands of lives and deliver on the government’s commitment to growth, safer communities and easing pressure on the NHS

The first road safety strategy in more than a decade will save thousands of lives on the nation’s roads by tackling drink driving, improving training for young drivers and introducing mandatory eye tests for older motorists.

Launched today (7 January 2026), the strategy sets out an ambitious plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035, with an even more stretching target of 70% for children under 16.

Approximately 4 people die on Britain’s roads every day, with thousands more seriously injured each year, but through targeted action on speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seat belts and mobile phone use, thousands of these tragedies can be prevented.

The government will consult on lowering the drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is currently the highest in Europe.  

In 2023, 1 in 6 road fatalities involved drink driving, but a consultation will explore the use of preventative technology, such as alcohol interlock devices and new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of drink or drug driving offences.

This could mean that, in future, some drink drive offenders might be required to have one of these devices fitted to their vehicle as a condition of being allowed to drive again.

With the number of older drivers continuing to rise as Britain’s population ages, a consultation on mandatory eyesight testing for those over 70 will be launched, while options for cognitive testing will also be developed to protect all road users. 

New measures will also target the growing problem of illegal number plates, including ‘ghost’ plates designed to fool camera systems, while also cracking down on uninsured drivers and vehicles without a valid MOT.

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said:

Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.

We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence. The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.

Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

Our vision with this ambitious road safety strategy is clear: to ensure that people can travel safely on our roads however they choose.

One of the hardest parts of my job is speaking to families who have lost loved ones on our roads and this is something we as a government are taking action to prevent. No family should have to endure that loss, and this strategy sets out how we will work to ensure fewer do.

Experts and campaigners have long called for a comprehensive strategy that treats road safety as a shared responsibility – from car manufacturers and town planners to drivers and legislators.

This strategy, the first in over a decade, shows a government that is not just listening, but leading and together, we can build a safer future for all road users.

Independent road safety campaigner, Meera Naran MBE, whose 8-year-old son Dev died in a road traffic collision, said:

I welcome this much-anticipated road safety strategy and am pleased to see a number of measures set out to reduce road deaths and serious injuries.

I am especially grateful to the Secretary of State for giving me her word that she would honour Dev and recognise the importance of legislative change to adopt the General Safety Regulations, as Dev’s Law and for delivering on that commitment. I look forward to working closely with the department to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to establish a robust and effective framework.

Over the past decade, 22 European countries have made more progress than the UK in reducing road fatalities, causing Britain to slip from third to fourth in European road safety rankings.

This strategy, therefore, sets out a new approach to reverse a decade of stalled progress. The bold strategy adopts the internationally recognised Safe System approach, which acknowledges that while human error is inevitable, deaths and serious injuries are not.

Rather than placing responsibility solely on individual drivers, the system ensures that road design, vehicle safety, enforcement and education work together to protect all road users.

A new Road Safety Investigation Branch will analyse collision patterns and inform prevention strategies, drawing on linked police and healthcare data to identify root causes and target interventions more effectively.

The strategy also mandates 18 new vehicle safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. This will ensure drivers and road users in Great Britain benefit from access to these cutting-edge technologies and support growth by requiring manufacturers to meet the same requirements across Europe.

Edmund King OBE, Director of The AA Charitable Trust and AA president, said:

This is a positively radical reframing of road safety, which is long overdue. We commend the government for its wide ranging and ambitious strategy and ambitious targets, which we hope will save the lives of thousands of people.

Tackling drivers who drive under the influence of drink or drugs, people who don’t wear their seatbelts and those getting behind the wheel without insurance are key to reducing road deaths and serious injuries. We also endorse the mantra of road safety being a lifelong education, not just when learning to ride or drive.

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards, Nicholas Lyes, said:

After what can be described as a lost decade in terms of reducing the number of killed and seriously injured on the roads, we welcome the government’s commitment to ambitious targets and robust policies to make our roads safer.

The strategy focuses on all key aspects, including behaviours, training, vehicle technology and enforcement – all of which play a crucial role in keeping us safe on the road. An emphasis on younger drivers and motorcycle safety is particularly positive, considering these are some of our most vulnerable road users.

We’re also pleased to see action being taken on drug driving, which is a growing menace and by giving police additional powers to take action against those caught at the roadside, it will serve notice that such dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.

A new Road Safety Board, chaired by the Minister for Local Transport, will oversee delivery of the strategy, supported by an expert advisory panel drawing membership from local authorities, emergency services, active travel groups and road safety organisations.

Vulnerable road users remain a key focus. Motorcyclists account for just 1% of motor vehicle traffic but 21% of road deaths, while children from the most deprived neighbourhoods face 4 times the pedestrian casualty rate of those in the least deprived areas. To address these disparities, the strategy includes consulting on reforms to motorcycle training, testing and licensing and supporting trials to improve motorcycle safety on rural roads.

An estimated 1 in 3 road traffic fatalities involves someone driving or riding for work, prompting the launch of a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter pilot. This will establish a national standard for employers requiring people to drive or ride for work, covering HGVs, vans, cars, motorcycles, e-cycles and cycles. It aims to help businesses in both the public and private sectors reduce work-related road risk by promoting good practice, accountability and compliance with existing legislation.

The success of this strategy depends on strong partnerships between government, local authorities, businesses, road safety professionals, emergency services and the public working together to ensure that every journey starts and ends safely.

RAC road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis, said:

We’ve long said the dial needs to be turned up when it comes to reducing road casualties, so we warmly welcome this strategy – and especially the reintroduction of casualty reduction targets, that were scrapped 16 years ago.

The simple truth is that this strategy can’t come soon enough. Britain might have some of the safest roads by international standards, but on average, 4 people are still killed and 76 seriously injured every single day. That’s an unacceptable number of lives being ruined or cut short.

The strategy addresses many areas we know drivers are concerned about, including drink and drug-driving, ‘ghost’ plates and dazzling headlights. The inclusion of a commitment to consult on the use of alcohol interlocks for convicted drink-drivers – which are internationally proven to save lives – is particularly encouraging, especially given the extent to which drivers are supportive of their use. It’s also positive to see proposals on the table for both improving young driver safety and tackling the scourge of uninsured drivers who push up motor insurance costs for everyone.

It’s important to remember that the ultimate success of any new or updated penalties or laws will depend on awareness among drivers and enforcement. But undoubtedly, this strategy is a real chance to give the whole topic of road safety the focus and public attention it deserves. What we need now is for it to quickly evolve into a set of concrete actions that make the roads safer for everyone.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 January 2026.

Have your say on how laws around powered mobility devices could reflect modern technology and improve safety by 31 March 2026.

• 40-year-old laws on powered mobility devices to be brought up to date to better support those who use electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• consultation seeks to review size, speed and usage rules to better reflect modern technology and improve safety
• this forms part of the government’s wider mission to break down barriers to opportunity and make transport more inclusive and accessible for all

Laws around powered mobility devices, including electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, could be modernised, as the Department for Transport launches a 12-week consultation today (6 January 2026).

The government is inviting users, accessibility organisations, industry and the public to share views on how outdated rules should evolve to reflect modern technology and improve safety.

Current legislation, which dates back nearly 40 years, does not reflect the technological advances that have transformed these devices. For example, some modern wheelchairs used by adults and children exceed the current maximum legal weight limit, meaning they can only legally be used on private land.

The consultation seeks views on how regulations should evolve to better support people who rely on powered mobility devices, while ensuring safety for everyone who uses our roads and pavements.

Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses, said:

Powered mobility devices give people independence and freedom and the law should enable their safe use.

This consultation is a chance for users and organisations to help us modernise these outdated rules and ensure they meet today’s needs.

Throughout this consultation, powered mobility device users, accessibility organisations, industry and other members of the public will be able to make their views heard on a variety of areas critical for updating these laws. These include:

• updating terminology in law, replacing outdated terms such as ‘invalid carriages’ with language that reflects modern attitudes and respect for users
• clarifying where powered mobility devices can be used – on roads, pavements, or other spaces
• reviewing size, speed, and age requirements for larger devices
• considering whether 2-person tandem devices should be permitted on UK pavements and roads
• exploring whether other devices, such as powered transporters, should be allowed on public roads or pavements when used by disabled people or those with reduced mobility

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said:

We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for disabled people and improving access to assistive technology, as well as making sure that the laws around its use are up to date, is essential to this.

I encourage disabled people to respond to the Department for Transport’s consultation so their views and voices are used to shape this policy.

Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, said:

We are delighted to see the Department for Transport consulting on modernising laws on ‘powered mobility devices’. Over 10 million people in the UK have mobility-related impairments and existing laws create confusion, restrict market innovation and limit disabled people’s freedom to travel.

New high-quality regulations that meet disabled people’s needs will enable millions more disabled people to legally use a growing range of existing and innovative safe, convenient, cost-effective, low-carbon mobility devices to move around our communities.

This has the potential to improve the independence, physical and mental health, employment, educational and social options of disabled individuals and our families across the UK.

Nick Goldup, CEO, Wheelchair Alliance CIC, said:

The Wheelchair Alliance wholeheartedly welcomes this government review of powered wheelchair legislation. For too long, wheelchair users have been sidelined by outdated legislation and offensive terminology. Many individuals using wheelchairs over 150kg have been left feeling anxious and worried about breaking the law.

Having worked closely with Simon Lightwood MP for over a year, we are beyond proud that our campaigning has secured this commitment to change. We will continue to amplify the voices of our community to ensure this review delivers a fairer, more inclusive future for all.

The powered mobility devices consultation will run for 12 weeks and will close on 31 March 2026. A government response will be published soon after.

STORY

Hauliers and fleet operators will be able to claim discounts of up to £120,000 on new electric lorries after the government announced an extra £18 million to extend the Plug-in Truck Grant until March 2026. The Department for Transport said the move is designed to cut the higher upfront cost of going electric and help firms benefit from lower day-to-day running costs compared with diesel vehicles.

Ministers said the funding sits within a wider £318 million green freight investment package aimed at reducing emissions while supporting growth and jobs. Under the updated grant levels, smaller trucks (4.25t to 12t) can receive up to £20,000, mid-sized trucks (12t to 18t) up to £60,000, larger trucks (18t to 26t) up to £80,000 and the biggest lorries (26t and over) up to £120,000.

Alongside the grant extension, the government said it will launch a consultation on a regulatory roadmap to phase out the sale of new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040, which it said is intended to give industry more certainty to plan investments.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 January 2026.

We’re making electric lorries more affordable to help hauliers make the switch, while boosting growth and investment in the sector.

• £18 million to slash up to £120,000 off the cost of green lorries, making it cheaper for businesses to go electric
• part of £318 million green freight investment to cut costs for industry and reduce emissions, delivering on the government’s promise to boost growth and support jobs
• government launches consultation on roadmap to phase out sales of new non-zero emission HGVs, giving industry certainty to plan for zero emission by 2040

Hauliers and fleet operators will access discounts of up to £120,000 on new electric trucks thanks to an additional £18 million announced by the government today (6 January 2026) to increase the Plug-in Truck Grant until March 2026.

The move is part of a £318 million plan for green freight, which is backing British businesses by slashing upfront costs on new lorries and helping businesses to access the lower running costs. This is all part of the government’s plan to reduce emissions while cutting costs, sparking growth and creating jobs as the sector moves to the technology of the future.

See the list of electric and hybrid vehicles eligible for a plug-in grant for more information.

Similar to the government’s Electric Car Grant, which has saved over 45,000 drivers up to £3,750 when making the switch, the Plug-in-Truck Grant enables lorry operators to access savings of up to £120,000 when buying a new electric truck.

New grant levels mean: 

• smaller trucks (4.25t to 12t) could save up to £20,000  
• mid-sized trucks (12t to 18t) up to £60,000 
• larger trucks (18t to 26t) up to £80,000 
• and the largest lorries (26t and over) up to £120,000

Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, Keir Mather, said:

We’re backing British businesses to go green by making electric lorries more affordable, helping hauliers to make the switch whilst turbocharging growth, investment and jobs in the sector.

Our proposals will provide the certainty the industry has been calling for so that Britain becomes the best place for green investment.

The funding is set to increase zero emission truck sales to support delivery of the UK’s climate obligations and comes as the government has already invested over £120 million as part of the zero emission heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and infrastructure demonstrator (ZEHID) programme to roll out more zero emission lorries on UK roads.

Backed by this fund, companies like Amazon and Marks & Spencer have already rolled out more electric delivery trucks on UK roads, with ZEHID rolling out nearly 300 zero emission HGVs by March 2026.

Day-to-day running costs can already be lower for electric lorries compared to their diesel counterparts, but upfront vehicle costs are typically higher. The increase to the Plug-in Truck Grant will help businesses access those daily savings, cutting costs for businesses as well as emissions.

John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager,  Amazon UK:

Amazon welcomes the government’s continued commitment to supporting the electrification of commercial fleets. The UK will be home to the largest number of electric heavy goods trucks in Amazon’s global transportation network and the first of our record-breaking order of eHGVs are already on the road.

We’re investing to help the UK decarbonise and meet our goal of being net zero carbon by 2040. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure the growth of more sustainable logistics.

Alongside increased funding, the government will also launch a consultation on the regulatory roadmap to phase out sales of new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040, giving industry the certainty it needs to invest and plan for the future. 

By consulting closely with industry, the government will ensure the road to net zero is one that works for businesses and supports jobs, growth and increased investment.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 12 December 2025.

Funding ensures young people from all backgrounds can learn about the varied, highly skilled jobs and future opportunities in aviation across the UK.

• £750,000 awarded to projects encouraging young people into careers in the aviation sector
• Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund goes to projects across the UK aiming to showcase career paths, boost skills and futureproof the aviation sector
• projects focus on getting young people from diverse backgrounds into aviation, creating access to opportunity in high-skilled jobs

Projects to inspire the next generation of aviators across the UK are set to get a boost as the government today (12 December 2025) announces a £750,000 boost to projects inspiring young people to explore careers in aviation.

From rocket building to roadshows, the projects benefiting from funding don’t just promote more conventional aviation careers, they also raise awareness of the varied, technical and emerging routes into careers in aviation that are less visible and associated with the sector.

The Reach for the Sky funding will support a future workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly growing aviation sector, following the government approving expansion plans for Gatwick and Luton and pushing forward a third runway at Heathrow to create thousands of highly skilled jobs.

Projects set to benefit include Tech, Engineering, Creative (TEC) Women, which will be awarded nearly £100,000 to deliver STEM career festivals in Cornwall, aimed at encouraging more girls into the sector.

Over £50,000 will also be awarded to East London Advanced Technology Training (ELATT), to inspire young people from deprived communities in East London into aviation careers through employer visits, workshops, clubs and creative projects.

Neurodivergent school children in Manchester will also be encouraged into aviation through the Mason Foundation, thanks to a £30,000 boost from the government.

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather, said:

The UK has a proud history in aviation, which we are determined to continue by inspiring more young people to see the sector as a place where they can build their careers.

Reach for the Sky plays a vital role in that mission, helping to break down barriers to opportunity and encouraging the next generation to aim high.

Alongside securing the future of the aviation industry, this is about ensuring young people from all backgrounds can see and learn about the varied and often highly skilled jobs and future opportunities that will deliver growth across the country.

Other projects benefiting from the funding include:  

• Fantasy Wings – encourages girls and young people from ethnic minorities into the industry by providing interactive workshops in Birmingham, Manchester and London, along with flight training for a number of participants at the end of the programme.  
• Aerobility – supports pathways into aviation for the disabled community by providing accessible virtual simulator sessions in counties including Surrey, Staffordshire and Kent.  
• Get with the program – delivers a bespoke ‘moon landing coding adventure’ nationally, introducing coding and aerospace for students across the country.

Now in its fourth round, Reach for the Sky has backed dozens of projects across the UK to improve their offer of support for young people, including the Air League – a training provider based in London, aimed at unlocking aviation opportunities for underrepresented communities – and Codes4Drones who won the 2025 to 2026 ‘STEM provider of the year’ award for presenting drone coding workshops to primary and secondary school pupils across the country.

Jackson Smith, CEO of Fantasy Wings, said:

We at Fantasy Wings are delighted to receive this funding from the Reach for the Sky Challenge, a fantastic initiative dedicated to powering the next generation into aviation.

As Europe’s largest diversity-focused aviation programme, we’ve seen firsthand how access and opportunity change lives.

With over 5,000 graduates and 500 flying scholarships awarded in the last 5 years, this new support will allow us to expand our reach, enhance our programmes and create even more pathways for young people across the UK to explore and build careers in aviation.

Today’s announcement follows the launch of applications for the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors in September, a group of industry professionals who work to raise the profile of aviation careers alongside undertaking their professional roles in the sector.

Alongside inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders, the government is also backing the development of technologies to help futureproof the sector. This includes greener aviation through the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill, which will provide economic security for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market by guaranteeing a set price per unit for UK producers.

An additional £63 million is also being invested to speed up construction on new SAF production plants, to unlock the opportunities of the green fuels sector in aviation to deliver growth and create skilled jobs on the journey to reach net zero.

Caitlin Gould, TEC Women CIC and TEC Girls Director, said:

At TEC Women CIC, we are thrilled that our TECgirls Reach for the Sky Festival and Take Flight education programme has been funded to help more girls explore STEM roles in aviation and aerospace.

Our Take Flight festival has been building year on year, with over 500 girls and 1,000 people attending last year and our education outreach has provided practical hands-on-learning for over 200 girls across Cornwall, including a work experience week.

In 2026, we plan to continue to grow this programme, working with more industry partners and reaching new audiences across rural and coastal locations. Without support from the challenge fund, ambitious events like our festival would not be possible.

Tara Connelly, Programmes Manager at Bright Futures UK, said:

We’re incredibly grateful to receive this funding. It will make a huge difference to the young people we support in hospital and help us provide tailored aviation outreach to a demographic that has previously been excluded.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 December 2025.

No one should get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

• Local Transport Minister joins forces with Sussex Police Chief to spotlight enforcement operations and raise awareness of the dangers of drink and drug driving during the busy festive season
• minister also teams up with Captain Morgan to raise awareness of the THINK! campaign to encourage drivers to opt for a 0% drink before getting behind the wheel
• comes ahead of the Road Safety Strategy and follows launch of new THINK! drug driving campaign – the first in a decade – which delivers a hard-hitting warning to young male drivers about the life-changing consequences of getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs

To tackle drink and drug driving during the festive period, Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood today (11 December 2025) joined Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner on a drive along to see first hand how frontline enforcement teams are keeping our roads safe this Christmas.

The minister met with local officers to take part in their annual seasonal crackdown on offenders, as part of ongoing collaboration between government, police forces and local partners to tackle dangerous driving behaviours.

This builds on the government’s commitment to make communities safer and ease pressure on the NHS.

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said:

No one should get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

This festive season, we’re working with police and well-known brands including Captain Morgan, Peroni and Heineken to remind drivers to make the right choice – and stick to non-alcoholic drinks – to make our roads safer for themselves and others.

We’re determined to tackle this growing issue, to help make our communities safer and ease pressure on the NHS.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner is National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing. She said:

Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is selfish and incredibly dangerous, putting the lives of your passengers, other road users and yourself at risk. We’re pleased to be partnering with THINK! On their new campaign which is highly impactful and coordinates with our enhanced enforcement of drink and drug driving offences over the December period through Operation Limit.

The message is simple, do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or taking drugs. Make the right decision and together, we will save lives.

The government has also teamed up with police enforcement operations and launched new adverts as part of its THINK! campaign, running online and out of home to target drug driving ‘hotspots’ across England and Wales using police data.

It is the first THINK! drug driving campaign in 10 years, a targeted, hard-hitting series of messages aimed at young male drivers, who remain disproportionately represented in drug-related road casualties. Latest figures show that around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions are male, with 4 in 10 aged between 17 and 30.

Earlier this week, the minister visited a pub in London to officially launch the Captain Morgan 0.0% x THINK! 0% ‘Captain of the Night’ campaign, spotlighting the importance of alcohol-free options for motorists. As part of the initiative, drivers will be offered a free Captain Morgan 0.0% and cola in selected Stonegate pubs nationwide.

The launch marks the continued and growing partnership between the government and major drinks brands to normalise 0% choices. Fronted by TV personality and radio presenter Sam Thompson, the first wave of the Captain Morgan partnership was designed to reach 17–24-year-old male drivers.

Both Heineken and Peroni have confirmed large-scale activations in the lead-up to Christmas to encourage drivers to choose their 0.0% products under the THINK! 0% banner.

These promotions follow THINK! 0% partnership activity delivered by both brands over the past year. Heineken will spotlight THINK! 0% messaging across its Star pubs, including on staff uniforms and via online advertising, and Peroni will team up with Greene King to share the THINK! 0% message via digital channels and promotions encouraging drivers to opt for 0%.

Ian Smith, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo GB, said:

Diageo is committed to supporting safe and responsible choices, particularly at a time of year when the risks on our roads increase. Captain Morgan 0.0’s partnership with THINK! highlights our continued focus on not only providing people with great-tasting alcohol-free alternatives, but also showcases a clear message that if you are driving, 0.0% is the correct choice for everyone’s safety.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 4 December 2025.

The transformed station will improve links between Wales and the rest of the UK, breaking down barriers to travel and jobs.

• ambitious plan to transform Wales’ busiest railway station gets final go-ahead from UK government
• passengers at Cardiff Central to benefit from new entrance, larger concourse and improved accessibility, thanks to £77.8 million of UK government investment
• improvements form part of investment in more trains and new stations across Wales, supporting jobs and breaking down barriers to travel

Passengers travelling through Cardiff Central will benefit from a revamped station, thanks to over £77 million approved by the government, announced today (4 December 2025).

The project will see the complete transformation of Wales’ busiest railway station, with a new landmark southern entrance, a larger main concourse and extended platform 0 to increase capacity at the station that welcomes over 35,000 people a day – and thousands more during major events such as the Six Nations.

This funding takes the UK government total for the project to modernise Cardiff Central station to £77.8 million, which is supported by an additional £40 million from Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and £21 million from the Welsh Government.

This project is part of a wider £445 million investment from the Department for Transport to deliver improvements to rail infrastructure across the whole of Wales, including increased train services to Cardiff, new stations in South Wales and increased services on the North Wales Mainline and Wrexham-Liverpool line.

Alongside the funding, the final business case for the transformation has been approved, giving the green light for work to get underway in spring 2026, with the majority of the work completed by 2029.

Once completed, the transformed station will also improve links between the rest of Wales and the wider UK, breaking down barriers to travel, jobs and opportunity, kickstarting economic growth.

Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said:

The improvements to Cardiff Central will transform the experience of the millions of passengers who use the station every year, welcoming people through a spacious, modern station befitting of the city it serves.

Not only will this improve experiences for passengers, but it will also improve capacity in the station and unlock connectivity with the rest of Wales and beyond – supporting jobs and helping to kickstart economic growth.

Plans also include enhanced ticket gates to improve access and flow around the station and ease links with other ways to travel. Other customer benefits include improved waiting areas, enhanced retail offerings and cycle storage facilities.

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said:

The UK government is investing in improving rail services in Wales with new stations, faster trains and more services connecting people with the well-paid jobs we are creating across the country and driving our economic growth.

Our contribution to the funding of the redevelopment of Cardiff Central Station is a key part of this programme and will see Wales’s biggest station transformed to improve the experience of passengers by alleviating congestion and making the station more accessible.

The improvements will alleviate overcrowding and congestion, enabling better accessibility for those with reduced mobility. 

Alongside the £445 million investment, the government is providing a further £50 million for a new Cardiff Metro station with a direct connection to Cardiff Bay, paving the way for future extension to the north-west and east of Cardiff.

Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said:

This is a major milestone for our ambitious plans to upgrade Cardiff Central station.

The joint £140 million investment between Welsh Government, UK government and Cardiff Capital region will modernise and enhance the station, benefitting passengers and accommodating our ambitions for long-term growth.

This demonstrates how 2 governments working in partnership can address historic underfunding of Welsh rail and I look forward to more major transport developments progressing across Wales.

Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at Transport for Wales, said:

The approval of the full business case gives us the green light to forge ahead with our plans to deliver much needed enhancements to Cardiff Central Station.

The investment of up to £140 million means we can deliver improvements to the station to make it fit for a capital city and sustain future growth, providing a better experience for our station customers.

Working with our design and build contractor, we can now move forward with the start of construction works next year.

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 1 December 2025.

Millions of drivers will enjoy smoother, safer road journeys as the Chancellor ensures every region in England feels the benefit of the government’s record £7.3 billion local roads boost.

• Councils will fix potholes and prevent new ones, thanks to a doubling of roads cash by the end of the Parliament at Budget.
• A much bigger slice of this cash, over £500 million each year will now only be unlocked by councils that publish pothole data on their website to ensure local authorities are kept accountable.

Millions of drivers will enjoy smoother, safer road journeys as the Chancellor ensures every region in England feels the benefit of the government’s record £7.3 billion local roads boost. Councils from Blackpool to Milton Keynes will benefit from the record roads funding, enough to fill millions of potholes each year, after the Chancellor doubled annual roads cash at the Budget.

This follows Wednesday’s Budget which took the fair and necessary choices to strengthen the economy and chose investment over austerity, because growth is our number one mission to create good jobs, raise living standards and improve public services. Despite a decade of damage and historic underinvestment under the previous government, the Chancellor was clear she was determined to defy the forecasts and break Britain out of its cycle of decline through stability, investment and reform.

Rachel Reeves is also turning up the pressure on local authorities by more than tripling the share of local roads funding that is tied to transparency – from 8% to over 30% of the budget, worth more than £500 million. Councils can only unlock the funding if they publish clear pothole and maintenance data and follow best practice.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

We promised to fix an extra million potholes a year by the end of this Parliament – we’re doing exactly that.

We are doubling the funding promised by the previous government, making sure well maintained roads keep businesses moving, communities connected and growth reaching every part of the country.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said:

We’re delivering the biggest-ever investment in road maintenance to fix Britain’s broken roads.

We’re putting our money where our mouth is, giving councils the long-term investment they need to plan properly and get things right first time, saving you money on costly repairs and making a visible difference in our communities.  

This isn’t patchwork politics, we are starting the hard work of fixing Britain’s roads for good.

Each local authority will be able to use its share of the £7.3 billion to identify the roads most in need of repair and deliver immediate improvements for communities and residents.

Councils will still get their core funding, but a much bigger slice of extra cash will now depend on publishing this information. Those that do so will be able to unlock their full share; those that don’t will miss out.

Regional allocations for the next four years are as follows:

• North West: £800 million
• Yorkshire and the Humber: £500 million
• East Midlands: £700 million
• West Midlands: £800 million
• East of England: £1.2 billion
• South East: £1.5 billion
• South West: £1.5 billion
• London: £300 million
• North East: £30 million

This is on top of record investment of almost £1.6 billion for local road maintenance this year, a £500 million increase compared to 2024/25.

The Budget delivered a package of transport measures including the first national freeze on regulated rail fares in 30 years, £891 million for the Lower Thames Crossing, a project delayed since 2009, and an extension of the landmark electric car grant to help drivers make the switch.

This comes as the Chancellor delivered the Budget on Wednesday that eases the cost of living, reduces our national debt, and brings down NHS waiting lists. Millions of families will see £150 off their energy bills, prescriptions frozen at £9.90, and our actions will lift around 550,000 children out of poverty.

Edmund King, AA president, said:

Potholes are the number one transport concern for drivers and continue to blight too many roads, so this funding should help smooth out the road ahead.

Providing councils with long-term funding, coupled with the requirement to publish repair data and strategies, is a pragmatic solution. That will enable residents to see how their council is progressing and hold them to account.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

This investment is an extremely welcome move. We’ve long called for councils to be given certainty of funding over an extended period so they can properly plan maintenance of their road networks as we believe this will lead to a better, safer driving experience for motorists.

We also welcome the government linking additional funding to councils who commit to carrying out preventative maintenance, as this stops potholes forming in the first place and extends the life of roads. It’s also far cheaper than continuously patching pothole-ridden roads only to have to pay far more to resurface them.

Further information

Figures:

• All figures are rounded to the nearest hundred million, except the North East which is rounded to the nearest ten million.
• References to a doubling in funding are comparing £1.067 billion funding allocated by the previous Government for FY2024/25, to £2.134 billion funding allocated by this Government for FY2029/30. Full allocations will be published on GOV.UK on 29 November.
• Totals include money allocated from the Highways Maintenance Block to Mayoral Strategic Authorities who also receive devolved City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) funding in 2026/27.

From 2027/28 onwards, eligible Mayoral Strategic Authority areas (many of which are in the North and Midlands) will receive larger Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlements, replacing their CRSTS funding. These devolved funding settlements can be spent on local roads maintenance by Mayors in these regions. As these areas do not receive Highways Maintenance Block funding from 2027/28, areas with a greater proportion of MSAs appear to receive less funding in the figures above, as these figures do not account for new TCR funding. These areas will not miss out, they will simply receive devolved transport settlements rather than a share of HMB from 2027/28.