January, much like the weather that month, proved to be a downpour of transport safety related content in Parliament, with several debates and most importantly the publication of the Road Safety Strategy. February, unlike the weather this month, has proved to be a somewhat dryer month, due in part to a week of Parliamentary recess. Although few in number there were significant events with a House of Commons debate on road safety, that allowed MPs to raise a whole range of themes, and confirmation that a statutory instrument has been laid lowering the minimum age to be train driver in Great Britain from 20 to 18. Additional bits included town centre safety and minibus safety.
Debates, questions and statements in Parliament
Debate on town and city centre safety – Westminster Hall – 03/02/26
Whilst this wasn’t a debate primarily focused on transport, taxi licensing, transport staff and the need for a holistic approach to safety planning (considering transport) were all raised.
Debate on transport in the South East – Westminster Hall – 03/02/26
The previous debate was safety focused but involved transport, this debate was transport focused but included safety. It came up in relation to neglected road maintenance, pavement parking and road design.
General debate on road safety – House of Commons – 05/02/26
This is perhaps the flagship transport safety related debate of 2026 so far. The debate was tabled by Anna Dixon MP, who spoke of her personal experience of road trauma, losing her grandfather in a collision. A wide range of themes were touched on by the MPs in attendance. This included the Fatal Four / Fatal Five, novice driver protection, impairment, safer road infrastructure and replicating best practice examples from across the country, such as the West Yorkshire Vision Zero strategy. The Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood’s response cited commitments in the recent road safety strategy including the RSIB, the Road Safety Board, increased police numbers, new local speed limit guidance, older drivers and minimum learning periods for novice drivers.
Oral Questions on post-opening project evaluations of smart motorways in relation to safety and value for money – House of Lords – 11/02/26
This session focused on post-opening project evaluations of smart motorways in relation to safety and value for money. A key point raised was the perception issues associated with smart motorways; even though they may be safer, people often don’t feel safe.
Transport Questions – House of Commons – 05/02/26
This session is a regular in the Parliamentary calendar. Themes raised on this occasion included violence against women and girls, collision hot spots, degraded roads, vehicle safety and rail station security.
Adjournment debate on school minibus safety – House of Commons – 05/02/26
This debate focused on a few different safety aspects including licensing loopholes, driver fatigue and poor vehicle safety standards.
Departmental, national, regional and devolved government announcements
Train drivers – 10/02/26
Plans to lower the minimum age of train drivers to 18 were confirmed this month by the Minister, Lord Hendy, and the legislation is scheduled to come into force on 30 June 2026.
Legislation
Crime and Policing Bill – House of Lords
The Crime and Policing Bill is still at the House of Lords Committee stage. The Bill contains measures on dangerous cycling, public order powers for the British Transport Police and powers related to vehicle seizures.
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill – House of Commons
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is still going through the House of Lords Committee Stage. This Bill is relevant for transport safety as it includes several changes related to road safety powers and micromobility licensing. Potential impacts of the bill may include new powers for Mayors over Key Route Networks, increased consistency of civil enforcement for traffic contraventions and a duty to implement a local transport plan for strategic authorities, within which commitments like Vision Zero could be included. Further updates will be provided on the bill as it progresses.
