Tag: Department for Transport

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 3 September 2024.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh today (3 September 2024) fired the starting gun on rail reform – ushering in a new era for our railways which puts passengers first.

Today’s launch of Shadow Great British Railways (Shadow GBR) will set in motion a huge overhaul of the running of the rail network, bringing together leaders from the Department for Transport, Network Rail and publicly-owned operators.

Shadow GBR will pave the way for Great British Railways – a new unified arm’s length body responsible for finally bringing track and train back together and overseeing both services and infrastructure.

Today’s announcement comes as the government’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill continues its passage through the Commons, marking further progress in the Transport Secretary’s mission to put rail services back into the hands of the public.

The landmark legislation reinforces the government’s relentless focus on reversing decades of delays, cancellations and unreliable services on Britain’s railways.

It will prioritise passengers over private companies, putting the railways back on track, while saving taxpayers up to an estimated £150 million every year in fees alone in the process.

The Transport Secretary has already started the work to modernise the railways – root and branch – so passengers are put first. She says this programme will save money for taxpayers and passengers and deliver a more reliable railway.

As part of the plans for reform, the government has recognised the need to speed up training for drivers and is collaborating with the sector to build resilience and improve productivity. Following a consultation this summer on lowering the minimum age for drivers from 20 to 18, the government is reviewing the feedback and will lay out next steps in due course.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:

Today, I am firing the starting gun on the biggest reforms to our railways in a generation. I am determined to end the chaos, delay and disruption faced by people on train journeys every day.

Establishing Shadow Great British Railways marks a significant step towards delivering a unified railway with passengers at its heart by bringing together track and train, and by progressing the Passenger Railways Services Bill we’re one step closer to public ownership which will help put our railways back on track.

This government will direct every penny into creating a stronger, more reliable rail network that works for everyone.

This is about making the railways work for the people that use them – putting passengers first and driving up performance.

Further measures set out by the Secretary of State today include the announcement of a new Rail Sale early next year, to tie in with celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of Britain’s passenger railways. Returning by popular demand, the sale will aim to encourage more people on to the railways by offering up to 50% off train tickets for a specific time period.

On top of this, tap-in tap-out technology will be rolled out at a further 45 stations next year thanks to nearly £27 million of government funding, meaning simpler and more flexible train travel.

Among these stations will be London Stansted, allowing smoother journeys for international passengers from train to plane. This follows 47 stations previously announced across the Southeast that are set to benefit from the technology in September.

The reforms announced today would not be possible to deliver while industrial disputes are ongoing. That’s why the Transport Secretary is prioritising ending the longest national strike in the history of the railways, clearing the way for vital progress on the network.

Just recently, following a series of positive talks led by government, ASLEF agreed to recommend a new pay proposal to its members which will now be put to members in a referendum.

Establishing a Shadow Great British Railways, written ministerial statement.

Rail stations receiving tap-in tap-out technology in 2025

Rail station	Train operating company
Aylesbury	Chiltern
Aylesbury Vale Parkway	Chiltern
Great Missenden	Chiltern
Little Kimble	Chiltern
Monks Risborough	Chiltern
Princes Risborough	Chiltern
Saunderton	Chiltern
Stoke Mandeville	Chiltern
Wendover	Chiltern
Billericay	Greater Anglia
Bishop’s Stortford	Greater Anglia
Harlow Mill	Greater Anglia
Harlow Town	Greater Anglia
Hockley	Greater Anglia
Prittlewell	Greater Anglia
Rayleigh	Greater Anglia
Rochford	Greater Anglia
Roydon	Greater Anglia
Sawbridgeworth	Greater Anglia
Southend Victoria	Greater Anglia
Stansted Airport	Greater Anglia
Stansted Mountfitchet	Greater Anglia
Wickford	Greater Anglia
Chelmsford	Greater Anglia
Hatfield Peverel	Greater Anglia
Ingatestone	Greater Anglia
Witham	Greater Anglia
Southend Airport	Greater Anglia (London Southend Airport)
Ashtead	GTR
Box Hill and Westhumble	GTR
Dorking (Main)	GTR
Hurst Green	GTR
Leatherhead	GTR
Oxted	GTR
Welwyn North	GTR
Woldingham	GTR
Dormans	GTR
East Grinstead	GTR
Harlington	GTR
Knebworth	GTR
Leagrave	GTR
Lingfield	GTR
Luton	GTR
Reigate	GTR
Watton-at-Stone	GTR

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 27 August 2024.

Successful trials demonstrate what the next era of aviation can look like.

A pioneering project using drones to deliver medical supplies across Scotland has been heralded as a “technological revolution” by the Minister for Aviation and Maritime Mike Kane in his first official visit to the region (27 August 2024).

Meeting with Andy Cliffe, CEO of AGS Airports – which operates Aberdeen International Airport – to celebrate the airport’s 90th anniversary, the Minister is expected to see a series of measures in place to support regional connectivity across the UK, including a project trialling the use of drones to deliver medical supplies to remote locations across Scotland.

Spearheaded by the airport, Project CAELUS is backed by over £7 million in UK government funding, helping to revolutionise aviation and accelerate the development of drones across multiple industries.

In a ground-breaking first for Scotland, laboratory samples have been flown from Edinburgh to Melrose by drones, thanks to the project. A journey that usually takes up to 5 hours by road transport could now take as little as 35 minutes.

Seeing one of the project’s drones first hand, the Minister will set out his vision to continue to support the advancement and rollout of the technologies across the UK to boost prosperity and economic growth across the country.

He is also expected to reiterate the Department for Transport’s continued support to work with industry on developing sustainable solutions for regional connectivity through new technologies and greater dependency on sustainable aviation fuels.

With Aberdeen Airport playing a key role in driving the wider economic and social prosperity of the north east, this visit marks a significant step in the UK Government’s efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure and bolster economic growth in the region.

Minister for Aviation and Maritime Mike Kane said:

Aberdeen has demonstrated what the next era of aviation can look like with its successful medical drone delivery trials.

I want to help all players in the industry across the country to embrace these innovative solutions that enhance regional connectivity and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Andy Cliffe, CEO of AGS Airports, said:

It is well established that a region with strong connectivity will enjoy increased levels of trade and tourism. Since the first flight took to the skies in 1934, the airport has been integral to the success of the region and the Minister’s support for further enhancing the north east’s links is extremely welcome.

We also recognise the airport has a much wider role to play beyond supporting economic growth; it can mobilise and drive change for the better.

Fostering innovation is one of the ways we can achieve this and through Project CAELUS we have a real opportunity to revolutionise the way in which healthcare services are delivered across Scotland.

Whilst in Aberdeen, the Minister will also be visiting Port of Aberdeen to host a roundtable with key Scottish representatives about the ambitions, challenges and insights for the future of maritime.

In his opening remarks, Kane will outline his own vision – emphasising the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration between government and industry to ensure the UK remains a global leader.

With an ambition to be the UK’s first net zero port by 2040, Port of Aberdeen has already undergone several transformations to become a leader in clean maritime.

Thanks to £3 million from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, the port has officially started construction of Scotland’s largest commercial shore power system.

Set to deliver its first power in March 2025, the system will supply clean electricity to vessels and reduce their carbon emissions at berth by more than 80% – keeping Aberdeen at the forefront of renewable and sustainable energy initiatives.

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen said:

We are delighted to welcome Minister Kane to Port of Aberdeen on his first visit to Scotland to see first hand how we are catalysing sustainable economic growth and driving energy transition.

The ZEVI shore power demonstrator project is an important milestone on our road to net zero by 2040, and one of three ongoing projects to install shore power at nine berth berths.

Developing green infrastructure at scale will require significant investment, public and private sector partnership, and legislation at a UK and international level.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 August 2024.

The pay proposal could see an end to 2 years of industrial action, protect passengers from further national strikes and improve the reliability of services.

Following a series of positive talks led by the government, ASLEF has today (14 August 2024) agreed to recommend a new pay proposal to its members.

The offer made to ASLEF is a 5% pay rise for 2022/23, 4.75% for 23/24, and 4.5% for 24/25. The offer will now be put to ASLEF members in a referendum.

This marks a significant step towards resetting industrial relations and resolving the long-running rail dispute, which has seen services disrupted for over 2 years now. As the pay proposal includes an offer for the year ahead, it also means there is no national rail dispute on the horizon.

The Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, says the breakthrough shows how this government is “putting passengers first”.

If agreed by ASLEF members, the pay proposal could see an end to 2 years of industrial action, protect passengers from further national strikes and improve the reliability of services, which train passengers have been missing for far too long.

Poor industrial relations have caused disruption and delay for working people, prevented families from visiting loved ones and stopped the public from attending events, damaging the hospitality sector.

New industry estimates revealed today show that railway revenue foregone because of strikes since June 2022 has totalled around £850 million – a debilitating amount for the industry and a huge burden that falls directly on the taxpayer. Accounting for additional impacts of strikes, including those due to people being unable to work, or due to potential reductions in spending on hospitality and retail, the total impact likely exceeds £1 billion.

This government changed the tone and got unions back around the table to resolve rail disputes. In recent weeks, the Transport Secretary has instructed senior officials to conduct intensive talks with unions in order to resolve disputes in the interests of the travelling public, which has led to this significant breakthrough.

Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said:

When I took this job, I said I wanted to move fast and fix things – starting by bringing an end to rail strikes. Finally today the end is in sight.

If accepted, this offer would finally bring an end to this long-running dispute and allow us to move forward by driving up performance for passengers with the biggest overhaul to our railways in a generation.

Transport disruption has a huge impact on the wider economy, with sectors like hospitality and tourism among the worst affected. In the financial year of 2022 to 2023 alone, strike action was estimated to cost over £500 million of economic output due to people not being able to work.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 2 August 2024.

At around 18:07 hrs on 17 July 2024, a passenger attempted to board a train at Enfield Town station as the doors were closing. This resulted in their hand becoming trapped in the closed doors of the train.​ The train subsequently departed from the platform with the passenger’s hand still trapped in the doors. This forced the passenger to run alongside the train, eventually losing their footing. Passengers on the train alerted the driver who then stopped the train and released the doors, allowing the passenger to free their hand. During the accident, the train travelled approximately 60 metres and reached a speed of 11 mph (18 km/h). The passenger sustained minor physical injuries and psychological distress from the accident.

We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 26 July 2024.

Giving young people from under-represented groups the opportunity to pursue a career in aviation.

Young people from underrepresented groups will be able to pursue a career in aviation thanks to new government funding for an aviation skills and outreach programme.

Launched today (26 July 2024) by Aviation Minister, Mike Kane,this latest round of funding for the skills and outreach programme, Reach for the Sky, serves as a way for young people aged 4 to 18 from under-represented groups that may not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue a career in aviation, to do so.

Now in its third year, organisations can from today apply for a share of £750,000 that will help them deliver outreach programmes which will provide events, taster days, mentorship schemes and educational initiatives with schools and universities – building on the government’s promise to secure the long-term future of aviation and give young people the opportunities they deserve.

Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:

Our aviation industry is one of the best in the world and it’s the talented people within it that makes it so successful – the primary purpose of leadership is to create new leaders.

Having a diverse workforce that can effectively address future challenges – from growing passenger demand to decarbonisation – is crucial and our Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund is inspiring the next generation to be part of this ever-growing travel sector.

Several barriers hinder people from joining the aviation industry – including limited access to further education, financial constraints, and lack of exposure to career pathways.

With only 5% of pilots being women, fewer black young people being exposed to aviation opportunities than their white peers, and almost three quarters of airline staff based in London and the South East, both government and industry are working together to ensure the industry is open to everyone.

Reach for the Sky brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, and this new pot of funding will add to the £1.5 million already provided. Outreach programmes supported by the Department for Transport (DfT) have already helped over 100,000 young people discover a career in aviation.

Previous recipients of DfT-funded schemes include 18-year-old aspiring pilot Joshua Merchan-Nicholls from Finchley, North London. Since 2021, he has been tirelessly working towards a career as a commercial pilot – a dream he’s had since he was 7 years old – and was recently awarded a gliding scholarship from the Air League as part of the DfT-funded Soaring to Success programme.

The Air League, aimed at breaking down barriers into the aviation industry, offers a range of scholarships, volunteering programmes and events for people of all backgrounds, and has recently celebrated its 12,000th recipient.  Not only is Joshua hoping to start a pilot training course, but he has also set his heart on helping young people from similar backgrounds achieve rewarding careers in aviation.

Joshua Merchan-Nicholls said:

I was 7 when I first imagined myself as a pilot and I’ve followed this dream ever since. Thanks to the Air League, I received a gliding scholarship in 2022, which gave me my first experience of solo flying and made me even more enthusiastic!

I’m grateful that these organisations exist because they open opportunities for people like me who always wanted to fly and they show the possibility of a career to people who hadn’t considered it before. It’s great that the government is supporting young people like this.

Claire MacAleese, Chair of the Air League, said:

For 115 years the Air League has been inspiring the aviators of tomorrow. The Department for Transport’s Reach for the Sky programme is an important part of keeping that momentum going. Reach for the Sky has been pivotal to our Soaring to Success programme over the past 2 years and more than 20,000 state school students have engaged in learning about a career in aviation and our flying days as a result.

As the industry undergoes a revolution driven by technology, decarbonisation and passenger experience, creating a more inclusive and accessible pathway into the exciting world of aviation is crucial to its continuing success.

Sophie Jones, Head of Organisational Capability and STEM Sponsor at UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said:

The aerospace sector will stall without young people with new ideas and innovations joining it.

The Reach for the Sky Challenge fund brings in people from diverse backgrounds to gain skills and pursue fantastic careers in aerospace.

As the regulator we are committed to inspiring the next generation to get their feet off the ground and Reach for the Sky helps fund our extensive STEM program.

Applications for the fund are now open until September 2024 and decisions will be agreed upon by a joint panel of DfT and the CAA – which administers the fund on DfT’s behalf.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 July 2024.

Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, will visit Greater Manchester today (11 July 2024) to begin the government’s bus revolution, as she pledges to support every community to take back control of buses through franchising or public ownership.

She will meet with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to discuss how the area’s Bee Network can be replicated across the country to deliver better services, grow passenger numbers and drive opportunity to under-served regions.

The Transport Secretary will pledge to create and save vital bus routes up and down the country, calling time on the failed system of deregulation that has seen service levels plummet. The plans will also bring an end to the postcode lottery of bus services by providing safeguards over local networks across the country.

Launched in September 2023 as the first bus franchise in England outside London, the integrated Bee Network has delivered for local people by growing passenger numbers and improving the reliability of local bus services. This has already seen passenger numbers grow by 5% in the first area to be franchised, with revenue following suit.

The Transport Secretary will see first-hand how the successes of the Bee Network can be replicated across the country, improving services and handing power back to local people.

The Transport Secretary will also hear directly the challenges faced by Greater Manchester during its franchising journey.

Greater Manchester endured a 6-year slog to deliver local control of bus services due to unnecessary barriers. The government’s plan will remove these barriers so better buses can be delivered faster.

Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said:

Buses are the lifeblood of communities, but the system is broken.

Too often, passengers are left waiting hours for buses that don’t turn up – and some have been cut off altogether.

Change starts now. This new government will give local leaders the tools they need to deliver better buses up and down the country.

Our plan will create and save vital bus routes by giving every community the power to take back control of their bus services through franchising or public ownership.

We are already seeing how the Bee Network is delivering for people across Greater Manchester – we will ensure every community can enjoy the same benefits.

The Bee Network is also boosting Manchester’s Metrolink. In May, it recorded its busiest month in its 32-year history with 4.1 million passengers using the iconic yellow trams, higher than the previous record of 4 million set before the pandemic in 2019.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

Properly integrated public transport is the key to unlocking growth and opportunity across our city-region, improving the lives of our residents, supporting businesses and delivering greater value for money.

The numbers speak for themselves – our Bee Network has more passengers than ever before and is providing a better service for residents.

Greater Manchester has shown that our pioneering approach works and we look forward to working with the government to put power back into the hands of local communities.

The bus plan is part of the new government’s ambition to develop a long-term, national strategy for transport. This will ensure infrastructure can be delivered efficiently and on time while allowing local people to take back control of their buses, trams and trains.

Graham Vidler, CEO of the Confederation of Passenger Transport said:

The industry stands fully behind the objectives of growing the nation’s vital bus network and improving passengers’ experiences.

We look forward to working hand in hand with the government to deliver change which benefits passengers across the whole country and drives swifter progress towards the UK’s climate targets.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 June 2024.

The new trains will allow TfL to increase capacity on the network in the coming years.

The government has today (14 June 2024) confirmed funding for TfL to procure 10 new Elizabeth Line trains from the UK-based train manufacturer, Alstom.

Following careful consideration of TfL’s business case, the government has approved TfL’s request for funding for the additional trains.

The trains are needed due to strong passenger demand, expected growth on the Elizabeth Line, and will allow TfL to increase capacity on the network in the coming years.

The trains will be made at Alstom’s facility in Derby.

In accordance with section 101 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, the government will provide TfL with the capital funding requested for the additional trains only.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 9 May 2024.

Have your say on potential changes to registering historic, classic, rebuilt, and electrically converted vehicles.

Car enthusiasts and industry can now have their say on how to best preserve iconic classic cars like the DMC DeLorean, MkII Jaguar and James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 for decades to come.

Today (9 May 2024), the government is launching a call for evidence to gather views on how classic and historic cars can be preserved for future generations and boost jobs in the £18 billion classic car sector.

Since the 1980s, policies on how classic cars are registered after being restored and upgraded have largely remained the same, and do not account for improving historic vehicles with modern technology.

The call for evidence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will ask drivers, classic car enthusiasts and the industry to share their proposals to help historic vehicles into the 21st century, while prioritising road safety and retaining accurate vehicle records.

Changes could make it easier to register vehicles to fully recognise their value while protecting prospective buyers, modify classic cars to improve their performance and retrofit them with electric powertrains.

With James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5, Inspector Morse’s MkII Jaguar and the Belfast-built DMC DeLorean from ‘Back to the Future’ firmly embedded in popular culture, today’s call for evidence is an opportunity for classic car enthusiasts and the motoring industry to have their say on how these and other motoring icons can remain an example of British excellence in the UK and around the world.

Better preserving classic cars can also help drive tourism to iconic classic car shows such as Goodwood Revival. With the classic car industry employing around 113,000 skilled people and worth £18 billion a year, the call for evidence will help support jobs in the heritage car industry and help grow the economy.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies, which is why we are calling for industry and enthusiasts to have their say on how to best protect these British classics for decades to come.

Alongside our record £8.3 billion increase to resurface local roads and the 30-point Plan for Drivers, today’s call for evidence is the latest part of the government’s plan to back drivers, support skilled jobs, and grow the economy.

The call for evidence is the latest measure to back drivers across the country, following £8.3 billion to resurface roads across England, the biggest ever funding boost to local road maintenance as we tackle potholes and improve local roads.

The government is also delivering for motorists through the Plan for Drivers, including ensuring traffic schemes like Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph speed limits have buy-in from local people, consulting on measures to stop councils treating drivers as ‘cash cows’ and accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle chargepoints for those choosing to switch.

Drivers will also be able to enjoy smoother journeys following the introduction of new measures to crack down on disruptive street works, with utility companies that allow works to overrun facing increased fines, which could generate up to £100 million extra to improve local roads.

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive Officer, said:

As evolving technologies continue to improve the way classic, historic and rebuilt vehicles can be modified and restored, we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date.

This is one of the many ways we are looking to make things easier and simpler for our customers and we want to encourage enthusiasts and those individuals and organisations with a keen interest and expertise to share their views with us.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 April 2024.

Organisations and academics can apply for TRIG funding to research innovative ideas to improve transport in the UK.

A £1.3 million competition to transform the transport sector, grow the economy and inspire innovation has been launched today (17 April 2024).

The latest round of the government’s Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) is now open, with organisations and academics able to win up to £45,000 in funding.

The TRIG scheme, delivered by Connected Places Catapult, supports businesses and academics working on innovative ideas in the early stages of their research. It aims to improve transport across the country and support skilled UK jobs as part of the government’s plan to help grow the economy.

Previous TRIG winners have gone on to improve the passenger experience across the country through:

• better connecting rural communities with a shuttle bus app
• ensuring people can stay online whilst travelling by sea by expanding 5G data coverage
• using AI technology to provide real-time insights to authorities on how local transport is being used so it can be improved
• trialling the use of hydrogen to make plane and boat journeys greener.

Decarbonisation, Aviation and Technology Minister, Anthony Browne, said:

As part of our plan to improve transport across the country, we’re continuing to back the TRIG competition which has funded hundreds of cutting-edge projects over more than a decade.

Today’s competition launch means projects in their early stages can win tens of thousands of pounds to help improve transport and support skilled UK jobs in the process.

This year’s competition is seeking proposals focused on:

• nation specific transport solutions – a new category for projects that address specific transport challenges in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland to level up the whole of the UK’s transport system and boost connectivity
• local transport decarbonisation – innovative ideas that accelerate the decarbonisation of local transport systems, demonstrating an understanding of the needs of local areas and communities, whilst also having the potential to be scaled up across the UK in the future
• maritime decarbonisation – maritime solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the UK’s maritime sector to support the transition to net zero
• critical and emerging technologies – ideas that utilise critical technologies, such as AI, or any emerging technologies, such as drones, to enable a resilient transport system delivering cheaper, cleaner, and quicker journeys for all
• open call – wider solutions that have the potential to address a UK transport challenge, across the entire network, challenges and technology areas

This follows the success of last year’s TRIG competition, which saw 41 projects win funding, including a project that uses AI to reduce train station overcrowding, and a self-driving parcel delivery boat to reduce road congestion.

Applications for this year’s competition open today and close on the 21 May 2024.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 April 2024.

Proposals could improve job opportunities for people aged 18 to 20, ease driver shortages and provide more reliable bus and coach services across England.

Young people could soon find more careers in transport, following government proposals to lower the minimum age requirements for bus and coach drivers and speed up training for bus, coach and lorry drivers.

Today (11 April 2024), Roads Minister Guy Opperman has launched a consultation to remove a restriction that currently states that 18 to 20-year-old bus and coach drivers can only drive routes up to 50km.

While they can already drive an articulated lorry with no distance limit, currently a fully trained 18 to 20-year-old driver can’t operate a coach from London to Manchester, or the scenic Coastliner bus route across Leeds-York-Yorkshire coast, due to the 50km restriction. These proposals are looking to change that.

With more bus and coach drivers safely trained to drive on our roads, bus operators could be able to run more services, especially in rural areas where bus routes tend to be longer.

This will bring more reliable services and help passengers travel with confidence.

This comes on top of further proposals for prospective bus, coach and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers to start theory and off-road training right away, rather than having to wait to have their provisional licence, meaning they can get started on their training journey immediately.

More qualified lorry drivers will support a stronger haulage sector, helping ensure medical supplies reach hospitals, parcels are delivered on time and supermarket shelves are always stocked.

If the proposals are introduced, all prospective bus, coach and HGV drivers will be held to the same training requirements as before to ensure Britain’s roads remain among the safest in the world, which will mean drivers can complete training and get working more quickly.

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said:

Being a bus, coach or lorry driver can be an excellent career for young people and these proposals could help get younger talent into transport, encouraging diversity in the sector.

This could be a win-win, not only improving job opportunities for those leaving school but also going some way to continue to ease driver shortages, delivering more reliable bus and coach services and a more resilient supply chain as part of our plan to grow the economy.

With industry data estimating the national bus driver shortage to be 6.6% and the coach driver shortage at 13.6%, the measures could open up a brilliant career in transport for younger people, tackle driver shortages and help improve the reliability of bus and coach services, growing the economy to deliver a brighter future for all.

Graham Vidler, Chief Executive, Confederation of Passenger Transport, said:

We warmly welcome this consultation on 2 key proposals championed by CPT to address the challenge of driver shortages faced by the coach and bus sector.

Allowing new recruits to get on with off-road training while awaiting their provisional licence will ensure more trainees complete the course and become safe, qualified bus or coach drivers. As 18-year-olds are allowed to drive an articulated lorry already, there is a clear case for allowing them also to drive all types of coach and bus services.

In particular, the proposals could help family-run British businesses like Stanley Travel recruit more drivers, providing more services and greater choice for local travellers.

Andrew Scott, Director of Stanley Travel, said:

As a medium-sized, family-run coach company, we’re always looking to attract younger bus and coach drivers to our sector.

We fully welcome these proposals which would remove the entry barriers to the industry, help us run more services to provide customers with greater choice, and open up fantastic careers as a coach driver for young people.

The consultation comes only a few weeks after local councils in England have been allocated £143 million to roll out almost a thousand zero-emission buses and deliver cleaner, smoother and better bus journeys for all.

The department has also invested over £3.5 billion since 2020 to protect and improve bus services, in addition to £1 billion to improve bus services in the North and the Midlands and extend the £2 bus fare cap to the end of this year, both thanks to reallocated HS2 funding.

Lorry drivers are already benefitting from better working conditions following a total of £31 million in joint government and industry investment to improve truckstops up and down the country by delivering better rest areas, improved welfare facilities and more secure lorry parking.

Declan Pang, Road Haulage Association (RHA) Director of Public Affairs and Policy, England, said:

We have long supported proposals to attract younger people into the role and address the ageing coach driver workforce, which is a barrier to the sector’s growth.

The age restrictions have constrained the sector’s ability to attract young people and, considering someone can drive an HGV from 18 years old, puts the coach sector at a disadvantage.

These proposals could improve prospects for coach operators and we look forward to seeing them implemented.