Tag: Department for Transport

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 22 May 2026.

Applications open for operators to join the self-driving vehicles pilot scheme.

• applications open for operators to run taxi, bus and private hire-style self-driving vehicles, in British first
• passengers could book journeys through operators later this year
• services will be held to strict safety requirements, driving confidence in an industry that will unlock significant economic growth and support thousands of jobs

Passengers could book taxi and bus-style self-driving vehicles later this year, as applications open today (22 May 2026) for operators to run cars across Great Britain.

The pilot scheme will enable firms – including British self-driving technology company Wayve – to bring cutting-edge technology to British roads, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking billions for the economy by 2035.

Services could enhance journeys by supporting greater freedom and independence for older and disabled people, as well as expanding travel options across both work and leisure.

Self-driving technology could transform roads, with human error currently contributing to 88% of collisions on UK roads.

Safety will be central to the pilot scheme, which will gather real-world evidence on how self-driving vehicles operate on everyday roads, from navigating busy urban streets to interacting with traffic and carrying passengers safely.

Services will be subject to rigorous approval checks by government, including strict safety assessments to ensure the technology is protected against cyber and security threats.

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:

Self-driving vehicles represent a transformative opportunity for Britain, opening up independent travel for disabled people and older adults, while driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.

This pilot scheme brings that future closer, giving passengers the opportunity to experience self-driving travel first-hand while ensuring safety always comes first.

Local transport authorities, such as Transport for London, will also need to provide local consent to ensure services reflect local priorities.

The government is working closely with safety and accessibility experts as it develops the regulations needed to safely bring self-driving vehicles to British roads.

Learnings from the pilots will support the development of self-driving vehicle regulations, which are currently being progressed by government, following a call for evidence that closed in March.

Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery, Uber, said:

This is an exciting and important step toward launching autonomous vehicles in the UK.

London has long been a pioneering city for Uber, where we’ve launched some of our biggest innovations and we can’t wait to give people in the capital the chance to experience autonomous rides this year.

Ben Loewenstein, Waymo Head of Policy and Government Affairs for the UK and Europe, said:

The UK is leading the way in enabling the safe deployment of pilot autonomous vehicle services. We hope to soon become part of London’s transport network and demonstrate the safety, accessibility and sustainability benefits of battery-electric autonomous vehicles through the government’s pilot scheme.

We are working closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for London to ensure our operations align with their goals.

Waymo is serving riders in eleven major metropolitan areas in the US, providing over 500,000 rides each week. We are excited to bring our world-leading, fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the UK and help make transport in London safer and more accessible.

Sarah Gates, VP, Global Affairs and Assurance at Wayve, said:

The UK has all the ingredients to become a global leader in the deployment of self-driving vehicles and today’s launch of the automated passenger services scheme marks an important milestone. Wayve has been developing its technology in the UK for nearly a decade and we’re excited to bring our supervised passenger service to market here this year.

Self-driving vehicles represent a generational opportunity to make road transport safer, more accessible and more convenient for millions of people. Beyond the societal benefits, this sector also has the potential to drive significant economic growth — revitalising the UK’s industrial base, creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening the country’s position as a world-leading technology ecosystem.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

Today is a significant milestone in the safe and responsible rollout of automated vehicles on British roads. For the first time, legislation will allow operators to offer passenger-carrying commercial services – such as robotaxis – to the general public.

Government’s decision to bring forward this legislation has positioned Britain as a leading European market for automated vehicles and a frontrunner in physical AI investment, development and deployment. Automated passenger services represent a market expected to be worth some £3.7 billion annually in Britain by 2040, while having the potential to widen society’s access to mobility and improve road safety.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 21 May 2026.

The new taskforce will make recommendations to improve transit systems so they can be delivered more efficiently across the UK.

• new taskforce will tackle barriers to delivery of mass transit systems across the UK, supporting economic growth, jobs and new homes
• experts from planning and industry brought together to speed up building of beat blockers to development, unlocking connected trams, buses and railways
• comes as government is to consult on new devolved powers to help mayors introduce mass transit systems

New tram, light rail and bus networks in towns and cities have taken a step forward, as the government today (20 May 2026) launches the new Mass Transit Taskforce.

The group, which includes leading experts from the world of transport, industry, finance and academia, will identify the biggest hurdles facing the introduction of mass transit systems across the UK and how to overcome them.

Mass transit encompasses networks of trams, light rail and high-frequency buses that move large numbers of people quickly across towns and cities, and has transformed urban life in places like Greater Manchester, Nottingham, the North East and the West Midlands. These systems connect people with jobs, homes, public services and opportunities, while cutting congestion and carbon emissions.

Working independently, and led by Chair Bridget Rosewell CBE, the taskforce will draw on best practice from across the world to make recommendations on how mass transit systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently.

Other members of the taskforce will include:

• David Milner, Managing Director of Create Streets
• Richard de Cani, Chief Officer for Global Business and Markets at Arup
• Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group

The Urban Transport Group will also provide the secretariat for the taskforce.

Currently, factors like planning processes, fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land get in the way of delivering these systems, and the taskforce will seek to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, and making targeted recommendations to government.

To go alongside this, the government is also announcing that it will consult on measures to devolve additional powers to mayors, allowing them to have final say over decisions related to public transport – including mass transit.

Known as Transport and Works Act orders (TWAOs), the devolution of these powers will ensure local leaders have more tools to deliver local transport, which meets the needs of local people.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing.

That’s why I am delighted to announce the formation of the Mass Transit Taskforce, which will use its skills and vast knowledge to deliver real and practical recommendations to shape the future of urban transport for years to come.

Meanwhile, we’re putting power in local hands, empowering mayors to deliver mass transit in their towns and cities so they can make decisions for the communities they know best.

The work of the Mass Transit Taskforce is already underway, with evidence already being gathered ahead of its first recommendations in 6 months.

Further details on the taskforce, including its full membership and immediate next steps, will be announced in due course.

Bridget Rosewell CBE said:

Integrated mass transit systems can transform how people move around our towns and cities, connecting communities with jobs, homes and opportunity.

I am pleased to chair this taskforce as it looks closely at the barriers to delivery and provides practical recommendations to government and local leaders on how to turn ambition into reality.

Today’s announcement builds on a package of measures the government has taken to give local leaders greater control over transport in their areas.

Spending Review 2025 committed £15.6 billion to Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlements, more than doubling investment in local transport across England’s largest city regions.

The Bus Services Act, which became law in October 2025, marked a new era for bus travel – making it easier for local authorities to take control of routes, protecting passengers from sudden cuts and lifting the ban on councils running their own bus companies.

The government’s Better Connected strategy, launched in April 2026, goes further still – setting out more than 40 commitments to make everyday journeys simpler and more affordable. Among its measures, local leaders are being given new tools to introduce tap-and-go contactless travel across buses, trams and trains, replicating the joined-up systems already in place in cities like Liverpool, London and Nottingham.

Together with record investment in local roads and today’s Mass Transit Taskforce, the government is delivering on its commitment to give local leaders the powers and funding they need to build transport networks that work for their communities.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said:

We have ambitious plans for our region, and a mass transit system is a key part of that – by improving connections and boosting growth.

But we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering mass transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change. Local leaders know their areas best – putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:

I am pushing on with our project to take the North East’s Metro system to Washington, where residents have been campaigning to be part of the network since it opened in 1980.

That shows how much people value world-class mass transit and I’m proud to be building Metro’s first new extension for 30 years as North East Mayor. Our iconic Metro system was the UK’s first modern mass transit system when it opened in 1980 and has since carried more than 1.7 billion people.

It is a lifeline for so many people, with over 30 million journeys every year taking people to jobs, education and other opportunities. The government’s taskforce will help support my ambition to take Metro to new places as the heart of the Angel Network, a world-class integrated transport network where buses and mass transit can best meet the needs of local people.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

Mass transit is a crucial layer of the West of England’s transport system for the future. This is on top of the better buses, more trains and stations, and safer roads and active travel that we’re working to deliver.

The government’s new Mass Transit Taskforce will bring additional expertise as we look at the best potential routes for mass transit in our region to move people around more quickly – whether that’s trams, light rail, or new buses. Just weeks ago, the historic Devolution Act empowered mayors with more levers to make things happen for our areas. Today, it’s brilliant to see even more powers being moved out of Westminster and into the West of England so that we can do more, faster.

Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said:

Liverpool was the birthplace of the world’s first intercity passenger railway, so we know better than most how transformative great transport can be – not just for how people get around, but for jobs, investment and opportunity too.

That’s why I’ve pledged to get a rapid transit system up and running in the Liverpool City Region before Euro 2028, starting with bus rapid transit to better connect our communities and make it quicker and easier for people to get to work, education and the opportunities they deserve.

For too long, big transport projects outside London have felt harder than they need to be. So it’s really encouraging to see government taking practical steps to help unblock delivery and put more power in the hands of local leaders. That’s how we turn plans on paper into spades in the ground.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 19 May 2026.

Transport Secretary sets out new HS2 costs and timelines after a full review, taking control of the project to cut waste, speed up delivery and save billions.

• Transport Secretary announces new delivery timeframes and costs for HS2 after years of mismanagement
• new plans could save billions in cost and years in construction time while delivering services at same speed as Japanese bullet trains
• construction milestones hit ahead of schedule and back office roles slashed under reset, as analysis reveals it could cost as much to cancel the project as to complete it

The Transport Secretary today (19 May 2026) declared an end to an ‘era of neglect’ on High Speed Two (HS2) as she set out plans to reset the project, delivering the railway as quickly as possible and at the lowest reasonable cost.

Following years of mismanagement, the Transport Secretary has convened the team that delivered the Elizabeth Line and set out new costs and timeframes for the project, including efforts to cut construction costs and get passengers on trains sooner.

The government announced today the project is now expected to cost between £87.7 and £102.7 billion, with two thirds of the increase due to works being missed from the scope of the original project plan, underestimation by previous governments, inefficient delivery – and the remaining third due to inflation.

The government has also confirmed HS2 will run at 320 km/h (200 mph), aligning with speeds across Europe and Japanese Bullet trains. In previous plans, HS2 trains were set to run at 360 km/h (225 mph) but with no existing track to test trains at that speed in Great Britain, adding to spiralling costs and build time.

The change in speed could deliver savings of up to £2.5 billion and at least a year in delivery time, so communities can start to benefit sooner.

The first trains are now expected to start between Old Oak Common in west London and Birmingham Curzon Street between 2036 and 2039. An estimate of the full scheme from London Euston to Curzon Street and a connection to the West Coast Main Line, is between 2040 and 2043.

HS2 Ltd Mark Wild’s ongoing reset has borne fruit – with 6 major construction milestones reached earlier than planned in the last year – as well as eliminating 300 bureaucratic roles, and scrutinising contracts to ensure taxpayers get value for money.

The government is committed to delivering HS2 in full between Birmingham and London, with a new assessment revealing it could cost as much to cancel the project as it would to complete it, while delivering none of the benefits.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

Taxpayers, passengers and communities along the route have been let down by years of mismanagement on HS2.

I share their anger about the waste and mess, but I am proud that this government has worked with HS2’s new senior team to get this project off life support and on the road to recovery.

We will get the job done but we will also take every opportunity to save time and money in the process, getting a grip on delivery, controlling costs, and stripping out the complexity that’s plagued the project in the past.

We can and must build big infrastructure projects in Britain. But we also need competent people in charge of them. This is the same team that delivered the Elizabeth Line. We have done it before, we will do it again.

Delivering HS2 will mean more trains on the West Coast Main Line corridor, and more reliable and faster journeys, saving passengers around 30 minutes between London and Birmingham compared with current services, and doubling peak long-distance, fast rail capacity between the capital and West Midlands.

The new ranges come as the government publishes in full a comprehensive report by Sir Stephen Lovegrove into the Civil Service’s role in HS2’s execution to date. The government will respond to Sir Stephen’s recommendations after thorough consideration of the findings.

HS2 will deliver houses, jobs and growth. Recent forecasts show it is already contributing £20 billion to the economy over the next decade around its station sites and depot in the West Midlands and west London, plus 63,000 new homes and over 49,000 new jobs in these areas.

Commercial development at Euston is estimated to add £41 billion to the economy over the next 3 decades and support 34,000 new jobs, with high-tech tunnelling machines now working under Londoners’ feet to make HS2 to Euston a reality. Over 6,100 contracts have been awarded to UK businesses, with more than half of these to small and medium-size enterprises.

CEO Mark Wild and Chair Mike Brown have started to turn HS2 Ltd around and have delivered 6 major construction milestones ahead of schedule over the last 12 months, including:

• the sliding of a road bridge for the A46 over the HS2 line of route in April 2025
• the installation of beams and overbridges near Calvert in Buckinghamshire in August 2025
• the completion of boring the 3.5-mile Bromford tunnel in Birmingham in October 2025

Mark Wild, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd, said:

I recognise this will be unwelcome news for local communities and taxpayers, and I share in their disappointment that it will take longer and cost more to bring HS2 into service.

Resetting HS2 was the only way to regain control of the project. We have turned a corner in the last 12 months with significantly improved levels of productivity, helping us to deliver major milestones ahead of schedule. We’re also progressing with plans to bring HS2 into line with other high-speed railways in Europe – further reducing the project’s complexity without compromising on benefits.

Better journeys, more capacity on the network, and economic growth are all vital to the country’s future prosperity, and that’s exactly what we will deliver. Driven by the hard work of 31,000 people on the ground, HS2 is finally getting back on track.

The HS2 reset is fully funded within the Department for Transport’s current Spending Review settlement, with no additional borrowing. Funding beyond 2029-30 will be set at future Spending Reviews and will be underpinned by the government’s non-negotiable fiscal rules.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 May 2026.

Modernising track and train will help improve the passenger experience, while supporting jobs, growth and homes in Britain.

• rail industry innovation boosted as ninth round of the First-of-a-Kind competition launched with entries aimed at improving passenger experience on the railways
• government partners with Innovate UK to provide £4.8 million funding to back ambitious new projects in lead up to the creation of Great British Railways
• previous winners applauded for creating tech-led solutions and utilising AI to improve train performance and on-platform safety

Railway passengers and staff to benefit as the Department for Transport (DfT) funds the development of pioneering, tech-led projects aimed at improving safety and reliability on Britain’s rail network.

Opening today (11 May 2026) in partnership with Innovate UK, the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition offers £4.8 million grant funding to new projects so innovators can bring their ideas to life and present them to industry, boosting their chances of being rolled out on the network.

The competition aims to address persistent issues on the railway, such as safety concerns, service reliability or anti-social behaviour. This year, applicants will put forward ideas to help deliver major projects on time and in budget, improve the passenger service performance and reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

Innovation is central to bringing Britain’s railway into the 21st century and our funding for the First-of-a-Kind competition puts this principle into action, helping turn creative concepts into real-life solutions.

Supporting new ideas is all part of our plan to modernise track and train under Great British Railways, designing and adopting world-leading technology that improves passenger experience while supporting jobs, growth and homes.

Now in its ninth round, the FOAK competition has been backed with £62.5 million in government funding to date. Previous winners include Transmission Dynamics Ltd, 1 of 7 project entrants from 2025, who developed intelligent roadside warning and analysis systems designed to prevent disruption following collisions between large goods vehicles and low-clearance bridges or tunnels.

See the list of FOAK rail competition 2025 winners for more information.

Trials of the technology are underway, including in Northumberland, where the detection system alerted Network Rail when a bridge was recently struck, enabling the team to quickly assess damage and minimise the likelihood of disruption for passengers travelling on the East Coast Mainline.

Claire Spooner, Director of the Innovation Service at Innovate UK, said:

Since 2017, Innovate UK has delivered the Department for Transport-funded First-of-a-Kind competition to accelerate the development, demonstration and adoption of breakthrough technologies into rail innovation.

FOAK26 marks the next step, introducing more focused, industry-led challenges aligned to DfT priorities and supported by strong sponsorship across the sector. By working closely with industry partners and stakeholders, FOAK26 will maximise the impact of public investment, support the commercialisation of innovation and drive economic growth by helping new solutions reach the rail network faster.

Another of the FOAK competition winners from 2025 developed an automated monitoring system to track deliveries to an HS2 development site. The cameras worked by integrating AI software, alerting site workers to the delivery of time-critical supplies, helping to keep projects on track.

Hao Zheng, Co-founder and CEO of Robok Limited, said:

Innovate UK’s FOAK funding allowed us to develop SiteFlow with EKFB on a live HS2 site, turning existing CCTV into supplier-assurance and safety insight. That foundation is now enabling us to take the product to the wider HS2 community and to scale this practical AI across UK infrastructure.

Noel Dolphin, GB Managing Director of Furrer+Frey, said:

The FOAK competition has allowed us to take risks and innovate further and faster than we otherwise would. We’ve taken sound, but commercially risky concepts and used FOAK funding to develop and demonstrate them, working with a broad range of partners, into real-world products.

Developing Lineform AI in the FOAK 2025 has already delivered cost savings to Network Rail and UK infrastructure.

These projects will help to deliver better services for passengers, encouraging more people to travel by rail as the government rebuilds a publicly owned railway that the country can rely on and be proud of under Great British Railways (GBR).

As a single organisation, GBR will deliver lasting change and build a railway fit for Britain’s future, owned by the public, for the public. The full public ownership programme is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with 8 out of the 14 train operators now publicly owned and operators managing more than 1,100 stations. By bringing track and train under a single directing mind, GBR will drive up standards for passengers and make journeys easier and better value for money.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 May 2026.

New Cambridge South rail station opening in June 2026.

• date revealed for opening of new Cambridge South station next month giving direct rail link to Europe’s largest medical research facility and its 40,000 daily visitors
• backed by £250 million government funding the station will host up to 9 trains an hour to Cambridge alongside further direct services to London, Stansted and Birmingham Airport – boosting access to jobs, opportunities and housing
• Cambridge South will be the first new Great British Railways branded station as the rail reform programme ramps up with over 660 million passengers now travelling on publicly owned services annually

Passengers will soon be able to take trains from the new Cambridge South station after its opening date was revealed today (11 May 2026). Services will begin calling at Cambridge South on Sunday 28 June before the station’s official opening ceremony takes place the following day.

The first Great British Railways (GBR) branded station in the country, Cambridge South, is expected to welcome 1.8 million passengers annually as the government’s public ownership programme gathers steam.

The station will benefit from up to 9 trains an hour to the centre of Cambridge as well as a direct link to the city’s Biomedical Campus, with its world-class science, NHS hospitals and business facilities. The Cambridge Biomedical Campus contributes £4.7 billion annually to the UK economy, a figure expected to rise to £18.2 billion by 2050 alongside a doubling of its 20,000 current employees, thanks in part to the boost brought by the new station.

Passengers will also be able to take trains to London, Birmingham, Stansted Airport and international rail services via St Pancras, with up to 20 services calling at Cambridge South in peak hours. This signals a huge boost to vital links to jobs, housing and businesses.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

Backed by £250 million government investment, Cambridge South will open up access to jobs, homes and world-class facilities for people across the region, boosting the growth of the Biomedical Campus as one of the most important engines of growth in the country.

As the first new Great British Railways branded station, the opening is an important milestone for our railways and a sign of the real change public ownership will deliver. Faster connections supporting economic growth, thousands more jobs and homes and a railway that works for the communities it serves.

The opening comes as the public ownership programme continues apace alongside the creation of GBR, which will coordinate the whole rail network in the UK. The creation of GBR will end the country’s convoluted rail system involving over 17 different organisations, cut through the frustrating bureaucracy and instead run Britain’s railways as a single organisation for the first time in decades.

As a single organisation, GBR will deliver lasting change and build a railway fit for Britain’s future, owned by the public, for the public. The full public ownership programme is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with 8 out of the 14 train operators now publicly owned and operators managing more than 1,100 stations.

Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive for Network Rail said:

We’re excited to welcome passengers to this landmark station from next month, providing direct access to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and better connections across the UK and beyond. Cambridge South station will significantly improve travel and connectivity for campus staff, visitors and the wider community for many years to come.

Thousands of people have worked tirelessly on this fantastic project to build a modern, accessible and sustainable station that reflects the excellence of the work that is being undertaken in Europe’s largest biomedical facility. It’s been a truly collaborative experience working alongside government, contractors, industry partners and the wider rail network to make this station a reality and we’re really proud of the result and the role it will play in connecting people to jobs, research and opportunity across the region.

Alongside setting up GBR, the government is focused on getting better value for passengers now and keeping the cost of rail tickets down. Regulated rail fares have been frozen across England until March 2027 so passengers are not paying a penny more on season tickets, peak returns for commuters and off-peak returns between major cities.

Cambridge South station has been built thanks to more than £250 million of government funding, alongside £5 million contributions from AstraZeneca, Cambridge & Peterborough Combined Authority and the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 5 May 2026.

Funding will help develop a numberplate ID system for drones, helping police better protect UK skies and prosecute illegal users.

• British jobs, innovation and long-term economic growth will be supported by £26 million to bring drones and air taxis to UK skies faster
• nearly £20.5 million committed to develop numberplate ID system for drones – helping police better protect UK skies and prosecute illegal users
• plans will cut red tape and boost the UK’s next-generation aviation technologies, estimated to contribute up to £103 billion to the UK economy over the next 25 years

Drone deliveries, flying taxis and smarter emergency services could be a step closer to use in UK skies, as the government awards almost £50 million to unlock growth in the drone and advanced air mobility sector, today (5 May 2026).

Part of the £46.5 million investment will also see a crackdown on ‘faceless’ drones, which can be used in suspicious or illegal activity, through the first bespoke drone identification system. The measures will make it easier for police to identify illegal or nuisance users and clear the way for legitimate drone operators.

Delivered through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the funding will also cut red tape and support the regulatory, digital and security foundations needed to bring drones and advanced air mobility – such as electric flying taxis – into more routine use across the UK.

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

We’re backing the next generation of British aviation innovators with nearly £50 million to drive drone regulation reforms and unlock barriers to growth that will create jobs, lower emissions and further the UK’s world-leading aviation reputation.

Innovation must go hand in hand with strong security – that’s why over half of our investment will develop a new ID system to track drones in real-time, supporting emergency services and building public confidence in an industry that could be worth up to £103 billion by 2050.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

This funding will create a numberplate system for the skies.

Law enforcement will be able to identify and take action against those who break the law, taking drones out of the sky and protecting the public.

Hybrid Remote ID works by sending out the drone’s ID and location during flight so nearby devices can pick it up, sharing flight details through a secure online system that authorised people can access even when they are not nearby and recording historic data.

The funding also includes £26.5 million to drive smarter regulation and cut red tape – making it easier for drones to be used in everyday public services and driving economic growth across the UK.

This includes speeding up approvals for drone operations for emergency responses, medical logistics and infrastructure inspection, driving forward regulation to get flying taxis in the sky from 2028. Drone operators will also benefit from a streamlined digital application process, reducing the time required to navigate regulations and prepare applications.

The government is clear that regulation must support growth (PDF), with a focus on faster, more predictable approvals and a better experience for operators, while maintaining the UK’s high safety standards.

Today’s announcement is part of the UK government’s broader ambition to maintain and expand the country’s position as an aviation superpower – including work to strengthen UK research and innovation, ensuring high-growth sectors such as robotics and AI have the support they need to thrive.

This follows other commitments to accelerate airspace modernisation, invest £2.3 billion in the development of green aircraft and provide £63 million support for sustainable aviation fuel.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Director Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

Our work going on right now is laying the foundations for commercial operation in the future, unlocking routine drone deliveries, long-range inspections and hospital logistics.

This vital funding supports the next generation of aerospace, strengthening safety and bringing economic growth for the UK.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:

This is a welcome investment in the sector by the government. To lead in advanced air mobility requires a regulatory system that can move at pace while maintaining the highest safety standards. The UK’s CAA has been a serious and constructive partner.

This investment is a further step towards positioning the UK at the leading edge of the eVTOL sector, as it moves towards commercial operations.

Stephen Wright, Chairman and Founder of Windracers, said:

This is a significant step forward for the UK’s drone and advanced air mobility sector. Targeted investment alongside practical regulatory reform is exactly what is needed to unlock real-world operations at scale.

At Windracers, we see first-hand how autonomous aviation can strengthen supply chains, support critical services and operate reliably in some of the most challenging environments.

We are proud to work alongside the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority as a trusted partner, helping to shape a regulatory environment that supports UK innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 2 May 2026.

There are no immediate supply issues, but government is preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption.

• summer holidays to be better protected as government consults on relaxing flight take-off/landing rules, providing certainty for passengers and businesses
• lightning consultation launched to provide airlines flexibility to lock in flight schedules early, prevent last-minute disruptions and cancellations
• Transport Secretary reiterates passengers are entitled to be re-routed or refunded if their flight is cancelled by the airline

Passengers will have their summer holidays better protected as government sets out plans today (3 May 2026), which will help cut the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer in the event of significant disruption due to ongoing global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.  

The contingency preparations are designed to give families greater confidence when travelling this summer by enabling airlines to plan realistically and lock in schedules earlier so that people are less likely to be affected by short‑notice changes at the airport.

While UK airlines say they are not currently facing supply issues, the government will be consulting with the industry in order to act quickly if needs be, before disruption takes hold, giving passengers and the aviation sector the certainty they need to plan ahead. 

These temporary measures would allow airlines to, for example, consolidate schedules on routes where there are multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.  

Instead of cancelling flights at the last minute, the measures would:

• help move passengers onto similar services much earlier, helping avoid stressful delays at the airport
• prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets
• reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes

The Transport Secretary discussed the plans at a roundtable with key industry figures on 30 April 2026, including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping Britain flying this summer. 

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 

Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems. 

There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.  

This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.

The measures being considered will allow airlines to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them the following season. ‘Hand backs’ help airlines build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations rather than flying empty ‘ghost flights’ or cancelling at short notice, putting passengers’ plans at risk.

This will build on the UK’s independent slot coordinators’ (Airport Coordination Limited) decision to update its guidance, ensuring airlines do not permanently lose their take-off and landing slots if they are unable to use them due to jet fuel shortages.  

The measures the government is considering go further by allowing airlines to plan ahead and act on the best information they have available on fuel supply or wider impacts of the Middle East conflict, rather than wait for a shortage to occur. 

The government continues to plan for a range of contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply and domestic jet fuel production has increased. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.

As part of today’s action, the government is upping awareness of the existing rights available to passengers in the event of disruption. If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund. 

If a flight is subject to a significant delay –  at least 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium-haul and 4 hours for long-haul - passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur. 

Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.

Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.

Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations. 

We welcome the government’s contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers.

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said:

While our partners across the aviation sector continue to report no shortage of jet fuel supplies, it is sensible for government to consult on possible action if this were to change.

We will now work closely with our airport members, ministers and officials to examine the proposals and respond on the best way to proceed that will lead to the best outcomes for passengers.

If notified of changes to their flights by airlines, passengers are advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 13 April 2026.

£3 million funding boost will help 6 mayoral authorities set up bus franchising to improve travel for passengers across England.

• government is continuing to invest in better bus services, with a new £3 million boost to help areas transition to a franchised bus model, ensuring buses work better for the people who rely on them every day
• local authorities are already using record government funding to introduce schemes such as discounted and free fares, as well as new services to previously unserved rural areas
• alongside the government’s biggest reform to buses in a generation, the support will help local leaders shape services around their communities and deliver a modern, passenger‑focused network

Millions of bus passengers across England are benefitting from cheaper fares, new routes and better services as local authorities are putting government funding to work in their communities.

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to play a part in people’s everyday lives, local authorities are stepping up to make buses work better for everyone, reducing the burden on households.

Support comes as the government commits a further £3 million to better buses, supporting 6 mayoral authorities to set up bus franchising, building on the success of the Bee Network in Greater Manchester.

The 6 authorities benefitting from today’s (13 April 2026) £3 million funding package are:

• Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
• North East Combined Authority
• West Yorkshire Combined Authority
• South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
• West Midlands Combined Authority
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority

From £1 fares for those 21 and under in the north-east, to brand new bus routes connecting rural Norfolk villages for the very first time, councils across the country are choosing to invest in the journeys that matter most to people’s daily lives.

Liverpool City Region, which is on course to franchise its services by the end of 2027, has maintained its £2 bus fare cap and introduced new express services to Liverpool City Centre, while in the West of England, the £1 fare cap for children has been extended until Spring 2029, helping families with the cost of living.

Meanwhile, in Norfolk, a new bus service has been introduced between Great Yarmouth and Caister into Norwich, serving several rural villages previously without a bus route into the city. This transformative new route is connecting isolated communities with jobs and education, showing the government’s commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Many authorities are choosing to make travel completely free, and in Barnsley, all those aged under 18 are receiving free travel for the next 2 years, meaning young people don’t have to pay a penny as part of the school or college commute.

These schemes are all backed by the government, with more than £3 billion invested through the Local Authority Bus Grant between 2026 and 2029 – money that local leaders can spend on the things passengers actually need.

The result is a network that is becoming more affordable, frequent and connected, particularly for those in rural and less affluent areas who have for too long been left with no viable alternative.

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:

It is an incredibly exciting time for buses at the moment with record government funding supporting new services, including to rural communities and discounted ticket offers, alongside our £3 fare cap.

Meanwhile, today marks a major milestone on our journey towards better buses. Our £3 million funding boost will help mayors take a step closer to franchising, allowing local leaders to take control of their buses to deliver for the thousands of people who rely on bus travel in their regions.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

Buses are the backbone of our public transport system. Local areas are investing in bus services like never before, with mayoral combined authorities leading the way in making their bus networks affordable, accessible and integrated.

This £3 million funding boost, together with the new Bus Service Act, will unlock the future of bus reform and see local passengers and communities benefit from better bus services.

Lydia Horbury, CEO of passenger champions Bus Users UK, said:

Buses are a lifeline for millions and putting passengers at the heart of the network is the only way to ensure these services truly thrive. This investment is a positive step toward creating a more integrated and affordable transport system that works for the people who use it every day.

Whether it is a young person in Barnsley accessing education for free or a resident in a rural Norfolk village finally being connected to their local community, seeing local leaders use this funding to break down barriers is incredibly welcome.