Tag: Department for Transport

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The government is inviting users, accessibility organisations, industry and the public to share views on how outdated rules should evolve to reflect modern technology and improve safety.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This consultation is a chance for users and organisations to help us modernise these outdated rules and ensure they meet today’s needs.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• updating terminology in law, replacing outdated terms such as ‘invalid carriages’ with language that reflects modern attitudes and respect for users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.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 November 2025.

Decisive action on third runway to support trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs.

• scheme chosen to drive a swift and robust policy review to shape plans for Heathrow expansion in line with the UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations 
• review will allow a planning decision by 2029 and London airspace to be redrawn to enable quicker, quieter, and greener flights to take off from a new runway by 2035 
• new runway will be a boost for connectivity, supporting national economic growth, improving passenger experience and delivering the Plan for Change, after passenger numbers hit record levels at Heathrow this summer 

 A third runway at Heathrow is another step closer to take off by 2035, as the Transport Secretary confirms today (25 November 2025) that Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL’s) proposal will be used as the scheme to progress the project.  

The proposal will shape the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which is the framework within which the planning decision on expansion at the airport will be made, and any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to consultation next summer. 

As the UK’s only hub airport, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country, expanding Heathrow will attract international investment, boost Britain’s connectivity, and support economic growth to deliver the Plan for Change. This summer a record 23.4 million passengers travelled via Heathrow, highlighting the level of passenger demand. 

After requesting further information last month from the remaining two promoters, the government has assessed that HAL’s proposal offers the most deliverable option and provides the greatest likelihood of meeting the government’s ambition for a decision on a development consent application within this parliament.  

Any amendments to the ANPS will be consulted on next summer after the Transport Secretary committed to completing the process 3 years faster than production of the policy statement in 2018. This will provide an important opportunity for businesses, communities, and the wider aviation sector to have their say. 

Selection of the scheme to inform the remainder of the review does not represent a final decision on a third runway scheme or design, and any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to consultation and parliamentary scrutiny next year. Exact details such as the length of the third runway, layout, and associated infrastructure implications will continue to be considered throughout the remainder of the ANPS review. 

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: 

Heathrow is our only hub airport which supports trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs, underpinning prosperity not only in the South East but across the UK.  

Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion. This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth.  

We’re acting swiftly and decisively to get this project off the ground so we can realise its transformational potential for passengers, businesses, and our economy sooner.

The government has been clear expansion plans must meet the UK’s legally binding climate obligations alongside balancing delivering economic growth as well as air quality and noise obligations.  

The independent Climate Change Committee will be consulted on as part of the review to ensure expansion is consistent with the net zero framework. Today the Transport Secretary has written to the committee requesting advice including on the role of aviation in achieving the UK’s carbon budgets and inviting feedback on proposed updates to the ANPS to ensure alignment with climate commitments. 

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: 

We’re taking action where previous governments hesitated, and moving forward with Heathrow’s third runway to drive economic growth, international investment and better connections for our country.

That means opening the door to new growth and opportunity with Heathrow expansion – creating over 100,000 jobs, boosting our economy, and giving businesses and communities the certainty they need to thrive.

A swift and robust review of the ANPS was launched last month to consider airport expansion in light of new environmental and climate obligations and sets out the government’s criteria to consider future planning applications.  

The selection of HAL’s scheme at this stage follows a rigorous assessment of the promoter’s proposals. This has determined that HAL’s proposal includes expansion plans that are resilient and efficient. 

The government expects that an application for development consent for a Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport will be brought forward by the promoter of the scheme, the airport operator, Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), after the review of the Airports National Policy Statement. 

The government is also pressing ahead with modernising airspace across the UK, to deliver quicker, quieter, and more efficient flights with lower emissions, reducing the sector’s climate change impacts.  

The newly published Airspace Design Strategic Objectives will mean that the Greater London airspace block will be given priority in airspace modernisation processes. London’s airspace – which sees over 1.1 million takes offs and landings a year – will be redrawn to ensure the capital’s skies are ready for more departures from a third runway from 2035. This will also benefit passengers after record levels of people flying over the summer, by shortening flight routes and improving resilience in the sector. 

A consultation has also been launched on simplifying the Air Navigation Guidance to set clear priorities, save carbon emissions, and ensure that people continue to have a meaningful say on airspace changes that affect them.

Today’s milestone follows the approval of Luton expansion earlier this year and Gatwick expansion last month, as the government continues to back aviation projects that will grow the economy and provide highly skilled jobs. 

The government is backing the development of green aviation through the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill. This bill will ensure Heathrow contributes to the UK meeting its climate targets by providing economic security for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market by guaranteeing a set price per unit for UK producers.  

An additional £63 million is being invested to speed up construction on new SAF production plants, as the government goes further and faster to deliver growth and reach net zero.

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

Partnership with the Ministry of Defence will see 36 defence driving examiners provide thousands of additional tests over the next year.

• government taking decisive action to reduce driving test waiting times, deploying defence driving examiners across England over the next year
• up to 6,500 additional tests will be delivered over the next year and will be based at driving test centres with the highest demand, so learners can get on the road quickly
• new measures also introduced to stamp out reselling of tests, as government remains committed to helping drivers ditch their L plates as soon as they’re ready

Military driving examiners will help deliver up to 6,500 more tests in tough new measures to tackle the driving test backlog, the government announced today (12 November 2025).

There will also be a new limit on rearranging tests and a ban on third parties booking on behalf of learners in order to make the system fairer, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said.

The Department for Transport, working in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), has announced 36 defence driving examiners (DDEs), made up of civilian MOD personnel, will help conduct driving tests one day a week for 12 months.

The extra personnel will be focusing primarily on car driving tests but with flexibility to carry out vocational tests, for bus and lorry drivers, if needed. They will be based at the driving test centres with the highest demand near their MOD base or home location.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

We inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-Plates, who have been sadly forced to endure record waiting times for their tests. Every learner should have an equal and fair opportunity to take a test.

We’re taking decisive action and these new measures will deliver thousands of extra tests over the next year, helping learners get on the road sooner. This will ease pressure on the system, removing barriers to opportunity and supporting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.

Military driving examiners usually test service personnel, covering cars as well as fuel tankers and armoured carriers. The new arrangement will benefit both parties, helping tackle the driving test backlog and keeping DDEs skills sharp.

The Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, has authorised the deployment of military driving examiners to help bring down the backlog, with no negative impact on military operations.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, said:

The Armed Forces and civilians working within the Ministry of Defence have always been ready to step up when the country needs them – and this is another example of that commitment in action.

Our military driving examiners bring skill and professionalism from testing service personnel to prepare them for some of the toughest conditions imaginable.

By supporting civilian testing, they’re helping to get more learners on the road, keep Britain moving and deliver for the public.

Alongside military support, the government is introducing new rules to tackle unfair booking practices that have allowed bots and resellers to profit at learners’ expense.

New rules will mean that:

• learner drivers will only be able to make up to 2 changes to the driving test in total – including moves, swaps and location changes – before it must be cancelled and rebooked
• learner drivers will be restricted to a limited number of test centres, which are located close to the original booking
• only learner drivers will be able to book their own test and not instructors on their behalf

Limiting who can book a test and the number of changes made will mean third parties will no longer be able to resell tests at inflated prices. Learners will only pay the actual fee DVSA charges – £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings, weekends and bank holidays – giving them greater control and confidence when booking a driving test.

Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, said:

It is good to see steps being put in place to put a stop to those touting tests to frustrated learners – candidates stuck in the queue should at least be reassured that they aren’t being elbowed aside by those simply seeking to make a quick buck.

What will really deter the touts and tackle the queues would be a return to the more reasonable pre-COVID waiting time for tests, which we hope the arrival of a platoon of military examiners alongside the new DVSA recruits will help deliver.

The government instructed the DVSA to take further measures this year, and is now beginning to see early signs of improvement. We saw an increase in the number of tests over summer 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 and have nearly doubled the number of trainers available to train new examiners, to help unlock more tests.

The government remains committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, particularly in rural areas where a driving licence is vital for accessing jobs and training.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 28 October 2025.

The Bus Services Act will make it easier for local leaders to take control of their buses and put passengers first.

• thousands of bus passengers to benefit from more reliable and dependable journeys, thanks to new law
• passengers will be protected from sudden cuts to crucial routes, and training will be provided to drivers on how to handle anti-social behaviour, improving safety for women and girls
• power will also be put in the hands of local authorities to decide what works best for their communities, breaking down barriers to opportunity and boosting growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change

Better buses are on their way for thousands of passengers across the country after the government’s Bus Services Bill became law yesterday evening (27 October 2025), marking a new dawn for bus travel in the UK.

Buses remain the most used form of public transport across England, but around 300 million fewer miles were driven by bus services in England in 2024 compared to 2010, with passengers suffering from sudden route cuts and a lack of accountability. 

This landmark move will end the risk of routes being scrapped at short notice by tightening the requirements for cancelling vital routes, an issue which has left passengers, particularly those who are elderly, disabled or living in rural areas, cut off and isolated from their communities.

The government will now empower councils to identify services which they deem as socially necessary, meaning strict requirements must be followed if operators wish to cancel or change them.

Not only will the new laws ensure services are protected but it will also lift the ban on local authorities setting up their own bus companies, allowing them to run their own services to ensure that passengers, not profit, come first.

The Bus Services Act also includes plans to mandate staff, including drivers and those based at bus stations,  to undertake training to recognise and handle incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime, including violence against women and girls.

The government will back bus services with further funding for local authorities, which will be agreed in the coming weeks.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

For too long catching the bus has felt like an ordeal, with unreliable services and cuts to key routes meaning many communities, particularly those in rural areas, have been left isolated.

The passing of our vital Bus Services Act will finally change this.  By making it easier for local leaders to take control of their buses we are putting passengers first, improving access to jobs, education and tourism opportunities which are all vital to growing the economy – a fundamental part of our Plan for Change.

As well as plans to allow councils to start their own bus services, the Bus Services Act will also cut the red tape holding back bus franchising, where local authorities allow companies to operate in their areas while retaining control over key aspects such as routes and fares, ensuring this model can be delivered faster.

The government is already backing local authorities York and North Yorkshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Hertfordshire, Cheshire West and Chester as part of the Bus Franchising Pilots, which aims to explore how local authorities could take control of its bus network and transform rural services to work for everyone.

Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), said: 

The lack of reliable, affordable public transport in rural areas is a widespread problem which impacts on those in greatest need and holds back economic growth.  We welcome the new measures to require the identification and listing of socially necessary local services, and new requirements if bus operators want to cancel or change them. This is an important first step to achieving better rural bus services, and ACRE looks forward to working with government to ensure the Act delivers positive change for rural communities.

Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC said: 

This landmark Bus Bill is great news for the hundreds of thousands of workers across the country who rely on our bus networks to get to and from work each day. The government is turning the page on the failed era of bus privatisation – and returning to a system that puts ordinary people above profits and shareholder returns. We’ve already seen the real difference that effective franchising can make in places like Manchester. It’s now vital that local leaders work in partnership with the bus workforce to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Bill.

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

The Bus Services Act represents a watershed moment for the future of the bus. We now have legislation that provides all local leaders with greater powers and the ability to choose the right tools to improve their local bus networks and passengers’ experiences – ensuring these services are accessible, safe and attractive. We warmly welcome the Act and its recognition of the critical role that local areas play on the road to better buses.