Transport

New Appointments to the Department for Transport Board On 9 September 2026, Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, revealed the addition of two prominent figures to the Department for Transport (DfT) board. Charles Randell CBE will serve as the Lead Non-Executive Board Member, while Harjit Sandhu takes on the role of Non-Executive Board Member and Chair of the Group Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee (ARAC). Non-executive board members play a critical role in government departments, providing independent advice and constructive feedback to ministers and senior officials. Their contributions are essential in enhancing governance and overall performance within public sector organisations. Charles Randell's Leadership Role Charles Randell CBE has been appointed as the Lead No...

Government Sets Ambitious Rail Freight Growth Targets The government has announced a new initiative aimed at bolstering the rail freight sector, recognising its potential economic and environmental advantages. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the role of rail in the transport of goods across the country. Previously, the government confirmed its support for an existing target, which aims for a significant increase in rail freight operations. Specifically, the goal is to achieve a minimum of a 75% rise in freight movement, measured in net tonne kilometres, by the year 2050. This ambitious target underscores the commitment to expanding rail's role in freight logistics. New Milestone for 2040 To facilitate progress towards the 2050 target, an additional interim goal has now b...

New Ambitions for Rail Freight Growth On 8 September 2026, the government laid out its ambitious vision for Great British Railways, aiming to bolster British businesses, enhance supply chains, and stimulate economic growth through a significant increase in rail freight. The newly established target seeks to elevate rail freight operations by at least 40% by the year 2040, marking a critical step towards an overall goal of a 75% increase by 2050. This initiative is designed to instil confidence in the industry, encouraging investment while ensuring that Great British Railways plays a pivotal role in driving nationwide growth. Currently, rail freight is responsible for transporting goods valued at nearly £34 billion annually within the UK economy. Achieving the newly set target could potenti...

Update on the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 Implementation On 7 July 2026, the government issued a significant update regarding the implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, known as the AV Act. This includes the publication of the government's response to the consultation on protecting marketing terms, alongside the introduction of the Automated Vehicles (Marketing Restrictions) Regulations 2026 statutory instrument. The primary aim of the consultation was to identify specific words, phrases, symbols, or marks that should be exclusively used to describe vehicles that have been authorised or listed as automated. The new regulations will play a crucial role in preventing consumers in Great Britain from being misled into believing that vehicles without proper authorisation can operate...

Free Bus Travel for Children This August As schools prepare to close for the summer holidays, children aged 5 to 15 in England will benefit from complimentary bus travel throughout August. This initiative aims to alleviate financial pressures on families during the summer months, allowing them to enjoy outings without the burden of transportation costs. During a visit to Bath on 9 July 2026, Roads Minister Simon Lightwood engaged with local leaders and bus operators to announce this cost-effective travel scheme, which will take effect from 1 August to 31 August 2026. Typically, child fares range between £1 and £2; thus, families will witness significant savings on public transport. It is noteworthy that free travel for children under five is already available on major bus services. Enhanci...

Collaboration for Enhanced Travel Experience The Transport Secretary has engaged in a significant dialogue with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, aiming to facilitate a smoother experience for holidaymakers as they navigate the EU’s enhanced security checks during the forthcoming summer holiday season. This meeting, held on 13 July 2026, highlighted the shared commitment to ensuring that travel remains as effortless as possible for passengers during this busy period. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas discussed the implications of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), particularly in light of the anticipated surge in travellers. Both leaders acknowledged the challenges faced by those seeking to embark on their summer getaway...

Salvage Operation for SS Richard Montgomery Masts Set to Commence In early September, a pivotal operation will commence to salvage the masts from the historic wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery, a significant wartime vessel. This initiative, confirmed by government officials, marks a critical step in the long-term management of the site, which has been closely monitored since it sank in the Thames Estuary in 1944. The operation will see the construction of an underwater platform, enabling a team of specialist maritime engineers to safely dismantle the three masts over a period of several weeks. This meticulous process has been designed with public safety as a priority, considering that the wreck contains approximately 1,400 tonnes of wartime explosives. Preservation and Local Display of Ma...

Investment in Ticket Infrastructure to Combat Fare Evasion The government has unveiled ambitious plans to enhance railway stations across England by installing new ticket gates, backed by a substantial £33.4 million investment. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address fare evasion, a persistent issue that costs the railway industry approximately £400 million each year. The installation of these gates aims to ensure that fare revenues are directed towards improving the services that passengers rely on. Targeting areas known for high instances of fare dodging, the new gates will include various designs, from taller barriers to prevent jumping to standard waist-high gates commonly found throughout Great Britain and on the London Underground. The rollout is expected to significan...

Overview of the Cranston Inquiry Report On 5 February 2026, Sir Ross Cranston released the findings of the inquiry into the devastating events of November 2021, during which at least 30 individuals tragically lost their lives while attempting to navigate the Channel in a small vessel. In light of these findings, the government has now issued an interim response to the report, reflecting on the urgent need for change and improvement in maritime safety. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the survivors and the families of those who perished in this tragedy. I would like to express profound gratitude to Sir Ross for his meticulous approach in conducting this inquiry, as well as to all the participants who contributed to this important process. Significant Changes in Search and Rescue Opera...

This statement serves to provide an update regarding the Coastguard Rescue Service, while also acknowledging the remarkable contributions of coastguard rescue officers (CROs) throughout the United Kingdom. For many generations, the operational effectiveness of HM Coastguard has relied on dedicated individuals from local communities who commit themselves to this vital service with professionalism, dedication, and bravery. This enduring tradition continues to be central to the ethos of the Coastguard Rescue Service today. Recent Legal Developments and Their Implications On 14 January 2026, the Court of Appeal ruled against the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the case of MCA vs Groom. This ruling clarified that the modest remuneration offered by the MCA had unintentionally established...