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{{Short description|Ministerial department of |
{{Short description|Ministerial department of the UK Government}} |
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{{About|the UK Department for Transport|equivalent ministries in other countries|Ministry of Transport}} |
{{About|the UK Department for Transport|equivalent ministries in other countries|Ministry of Transport}} |
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{{Redirect|DfT||DFT (disambiguation){{!}}DFT}} |
{{Redirect|DfT||DFT (disambiguation){{!}}DFT}} |
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| dissolved = |
| dissolved = |
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| superseding = |
| superseding = |
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| jurisdiction = [[United Kingdom]] |
| jurisdiction = [[Government of the United Kingdom]] |
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| headquarters = Great Minster House, [[Horseferry Road]], [[London]] |
| headquarters = Great Minster House, [[Horseferry Road]], [[London]] |
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| employees = |
| employees = |
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| budget = £2.9 billion; 2019–20<ref>{{cite book|title=Budget 2018 |year=2018 |publisher=HM Treasury |location=London |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/752202/Budget_2018_red_web.pdf |access-date=18 March 2019 |page=24 }}</ref> |
| budget = £2.9 billion; 2019–20<ref>{{cite book|title=Budget 2018 |year=2018 |publisher=HM Treasury |location=London |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/752202/Budget_2018_red_web.pdf |access-date=18 March 2019 |page=24 }}</ref> |
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| minister_type = Secretary of State |
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| minister1_name = [[Anne-Marie Trevelyan]] |
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| minister1_name = The Rt Hon. [[Mark Harper]] MP |
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| minister1_pfo = <br/>[[Secretary of State for Transport]] |
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| minister1_pfo = [[Secretary of State for Transport]] |
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| chief1_name = [[Bernadette Kelly|Dame Bernadette Kelly]] |
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| chief2_name = |
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| chief1_position = [[Permanent Secretary]] |
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| chief2_position = |
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| chief2_name = ''Vacant'' |
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| chief2_position = Second Permanent Secretary |
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| child1_agency = [[Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency]]; |
| child1_agency = [[Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency]]; |
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| child2_agency = [[Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency]]; |
| child2_agency = [[Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency]]; |
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| footnotes = |
| footnotes = |
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| logo = |
| logo = |
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| chief1_position = [[Permanent Secretary]] |
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| chief3_name = |
| chief3_name = |
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| chief3_position = |
| chief3_position = |
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{{PoliticsUK}} |
{{PoliticsUK}} |
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The '''Department for Transport''' ('''DfT''') is a [[Departments of the Government of the United Kingdom|department]] of [[Government of the United Kingdom |
The '''Department for Transport''' ('''DfT''') is a [[Departments of the Government of the United Kingdom|ministerial department]] of the [[Government of the United Kingdom]]. It is responsible for the [[English transport]] network and a limited number of transport matters in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland that have not been [[Devolution#United Kingdom|devolved]]. The department is run by the [[Secretary of State for Transport]], currently (since 25 October 2022), [[Mark Harper]]. |
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The expenditure, administration and policy of the Department |
The expenditure, administration, and policy of the Department of Transport are scrutinised by the [[Transport Committee]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/153/transport-committee/role/ |title=Role - Transport Committee |work=parliament.uk |access-date=5 March 2022 |quote=The Transport Committee is charged by the House of Commons with scrutiny of the Department for Transport. Its formal remit is to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Department for Transport and its associated public bodies.}}</ref> |
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==Responsibilities== |
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==History== |
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{{For|list of ministers|Secretary of State for Transport}}{{Expand section|date=April 2022}} |
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The Ministry of Transport was established by the '''Ministry of Transport Act 1919''' which provided for the transfer to the new ministry of powers and duties of any government department in respect of [[railway]]s, [[light railway]]s, [[tram]]ways, [[canal]]s and [[inland waterway]]s, [[road]]s, [[bridge]]s and [[ferry|ferries]], and [[vehicle]]s and traffic thereon, [[harbours]], [[dock (maritime)|dock]]s and [[pier]]s. |
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In September 1919, all the powers of the Road Board, the Ministry of Health, and the Board of Trade in respect of transport, were transferred to the new ministry. Initially, the department was organised to carry out supervisory, development and executive functions, but the end of railway and canal control by 1921, and the settlement of financial agreements relating to the wartime operations of the railways reduced its role. In 1923, the department was reorganised into three major sections: Secretarial, Finance and Roads. |
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The ministry's functions were exercised initially throughout the United Kingdom. An Irish Branch was established in 1920, but then was taken over by the government of the [[Irish Free State]] on the transfer of functions in 1922. |
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The department took over transport functions of Scottish departments in the same year, though certain functions relating to local government, loan sanction, byelaws and housing were excepted. In May 1937, power to make provisional orders for harbour, pier and ferry works was transferred to the Secretary of State for Scotland. |
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The growth of road transport increased the responsibilities of the Ministry, and in the 1930s, and especially with defence preparations preceding the outbreak of war, government responsibilities for all means of transport increased significantly. |
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Government control of transport and diverse associated matters has been reorganised a number of times in modern history, being the responsibility of: |
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*1919–1941: Ministry of Transport |
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*1941–1946: [[Ministry of War Transport]], after absorption of [[Ministry of Shipping (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Shipping]] |
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*1946–1953: Ministry of Transport |
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*1953–1959: Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation |
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*1959–1970: Ministry of Transport |
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*1970–1976: [[Secretary of State for the Environment|Department of the Environment]] |
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*1976–1997: Department of Transport |
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*1997–2001: [[Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions]] |
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*2001–2002: Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions |
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*2002–present: Department for Transport |
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The name "Ministry of Transport" lives on in the annual [[MOT test]], a [[Vehicle inspection|test]] of [[vehicle safety]], [[wikt:roadworthiness|roadworthiness]], and [[Exhaust gas|exhaust emissions]], which most vehicles used on public roads in the UK are required to pass annually once they reach three years old (four years for vehicles in [[Northern Ireland]]). |
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[[File:MoT-Flag.svg|thumb|The Flag of the old Ministry of Transport.]] |
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==Role== |
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The Department for Transport has six strategic objectives:<ref name="sdp1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-transport-outcome-delivery-plan|title=Department for Transport Outcome Delivery Plan|website=GOV.UK}}</ref> |
The Department for Transport has six strategic objectives:<ref name="sdp1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-transport-outcome-delivery-plan|title=Department for Transport Outcome Delivery Plan|website=GOV.UK}}</ref> |
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* Support the creation of a stronger, cleaner, more productive economy |
* Support the creation of a stronger, cleaner, more productive economy |
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* Promote a culture of efficiency and productivity in everything it does |
* Promote a culture of efficiency and productivity in everything it does |
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The department "creates the strategic framework" for transport services, which are delivered through a wide range of public and private sector bodies including its own executive agencies.<ref name="cabinetoffice1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport|title=Department for Transport|website=GOV.UK}}</ref> |
The department "creates the strategic framework" for transport services, which are delivered through a wide range of public and private sector bodies including its own executive agencies.<ref name="cabinetoffice1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport|title=Department for Transport|website=GOV.UK|date=11 April 2024 }}</ref> |
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== |
=== Executive agencies === |
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The DfT Ministers are as follows:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport|title=Our ministers|website=GOV.UK|language=en|access-date=1 August 2019}}</ref> |
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{| class=wikitable |
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! Minister |
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! Rank |
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! Portfolio |
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|- |
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| The Rt Hon. '''[[Anne-Marie Trevelyan]]''' MP |
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| [[Secretary of State for Transport|Secretary of State]] |
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| Overall responsibility for the department; oversight of all areas; [[Northern Powerhouse]]. |
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|- |
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|[[Kevin Foster (politician)|Kevin Foster]] MP |
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| Minister of State |
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|HS2; Integrated Rail Plan; Northern Powerhouse Rail; Transpennine route upgrade; Rail network enhancements pipeline; rail passenger and freight services; rail reform; Network Rail; Restoring your Railway; accessibility<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minister of State - GOV.UK |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/minister-of-state--134 |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=www.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| The Rt Hon. [[Lucy Frazer]] MP |
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| Minister of State<!-- Responsibilities not yet confirmed by department/HMG | for HS2 --> |
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| <!-- Responsibilities not yet confirmed | HS2; [[Northern Powerhouse Rail]]; [[Transpennine north railway upgrade|Transpennine route upgrade]]; skills. --> |
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|- |
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|The Rt Hon. [[Charlotte Vere, Baroness Vere of Norbiton|Baroness Vere of Norbiton]] |
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| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Devolution, Roads and Light Rail |
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| roads (including [[National Highways]]); motoring agencies ([[Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency|DVSA]], [[Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency|DVLA]], VCA); buses and taxis; light rail (including tram, underground and metro systems); [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|devolution]] (including union connectivity and [[Transport in London|London transport]]). |
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|- |
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|[[Katherine Fletcher]] MP |
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| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State<!-- Responsibilities not yet confirmed by department/HMG | for Future of Transport --> |
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| <!-- Responsibilities not yet confirmed by department/HMG |future of transport (including future of freight); environment (including transport [[decarbonisation]]); [[European Union|EU]] and international transport; commercial spaceflight; transport research and science; future of freight strategy; women's safety on transport network; [[Primary and secondary legislation#Secondary legislation|secondary legislation]]. --> |
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|} |
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The [[Permanent Secretary]] is [[Bernadette Kelly]]. |
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== 2017 judicial review == |
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Following a series of strikes, poor performance, concerns over access for the disabled and commuter protests relating to [[Govia Thameslink Railway]] a group of commuters crowdfunded £26,000 to initiate a [[judicial review]] into the Department for Transport's management and failure to penalise Govia or remove the management contract. The oral hearing to determine if commuters have standing to bring a judicial review was listed for 29 June 2017 at the [[Royal Courts of Justice]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/news/commuter-group-to-meet-department-for-transport-in-court-over-southern-crisis-1-8014633|title=Commuter group to meet Department for Transport in court over Southern crisis|website=www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk|date=19 June 2017 |language=en|access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/southernfail/|title=Judicial Review of the Department for Transport over Southern Rail|work=CrowdJustice|access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> |
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The attempted judicial review was not allowed to proceed, and the commuters who brought it had to pay £17,000 in costs to the Department for Transport.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=New Judicial Review case starts today – led by passenger group Bring Back British Rail |url=https://abcommuters.com/2018/04/17/new-judicial-review-case-starts-today-led-by-passenger-group-bring-back-british-rail/ |agency=www.abcommuters.com |date=17 April 2018 |access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Exclusive: Full report of ABC's legal victory, which forces Chris Grayling to decide Southern Rail breaches |url=https://abcommuters.com/2017/07/05/exclusive-full-report-of-abcs-legal-victory-which-forces-chris-grayling-to-decide-southern-rail-breaches/ |agency=www.abcommuters.com |date=5 July 2017 |access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref> |
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== Executive agencies == |
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*[[Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency]] (DVLA) |
*[[Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency]] (DVLA) |
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*[[Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency]] (DVSA) |
*[[Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency]] (DVSA) |
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*[[Maritime and Coastguard Agency]] (MCA) |
*[[Maritime and Coastguard Agency]] (MCA) |
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*[[Vehicle Certification Agency]] (VCA) |
*[[Vehicle Certification Agency]] (VCA) |
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*[[Active Travel England]] (ATE) |
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== Non-departmental public bodies == |
=== Non-departmental public bodies === |
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The DfT sponsors the following public bodies: |
The DfT sponsors the following public bodies: |
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*[[British Transport Police Authority]] |
*[[British Transport Police Authority]] |
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*[[Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise]] |
*[[Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise]] |
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== Transport data== |
=== Transport publications and data === |
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DfT publications include the [[Design Manual for Roads and Bridges]] and Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG, formerly WebTAG).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-30 |title=Transport analysis guidance |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-analysis-guidance-tag |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref> |
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The DfT maintains datasets including the [[National Trip End Model]] and [[traffic count]]s on major roads. |
The DfT maintains datasets including the [[National Trip End Model]] and [[traffic count]]s on major roads. |
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== Devolution == |
=== Devolution === |
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The [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|devolution]] of [[transport policy]] varies around the UK; most aspects in [[Great Britain]] are decided at Westminster. Key [[Reserved and excepted matters|reserved]] transport matters (i.e., not devolved) are as follows: |
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'''Scotland''' |
'''Scotland''' |
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The department's devolved counterparts in Northern Ireland are: |
The department's devolved counterparts in Northern Ireland are: |
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* [[Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland)|Department for Infrastructure]] (general transport policy, [[port]]s, roads, and rail)<ref> |
* [[Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland)|Department for Infrastructure]] (general transport policy, [[port]]s, roads, and rail)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index/aboutus.htm |title=DRD: About The Department |access-date=29 May 2010 |archive-date=29 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429185817/http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index/aboutus.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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* [[Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland)|Department of the Environment]] (road safety and the regulation of drivers and vehicles)<ref>[http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/about_us.htm DoE: About Us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608190036/http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/about_us.htm |date=8 June 2010 }}</ref> |
* [[Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland)|Department of the Environment]] (road safety and the regulation of drivers and vehicles)<ref>[http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/about_us.htm DoE: About Us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608190036/http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/about_us.htm |date=8 June 2010 }}</ref> |
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Northern Ireland's [[Barnett_formula|comparability factor]] (the proportion of spending in this area devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive) was '''95.4%''' for 2021/22.<ref name="auto"/> |
Northern Ireland's [[Barnett_formula|comparability factor]] (the proportion of spending in this area devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive) was '''95.4%''' for 2021/22.<ref name="auto"/> |
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*Railway Services |
*Railway Services |
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*[[Air transport]] |
*[[Air transport]] |
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*[[Marine transport]] including [[Trust ports]] and [[Hovercraft |
*[[Marine transport]] including [[Trust ports]] and [[Hovercraft]] |
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*Transport security |
*Transport security |
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*[[Navigation]] (including [[merchant shipping]]) |
*[[Navigation]] (including [[merchant shipping]]) |
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Wales' [[Barnett_formula|comparability factor]] (the proportion of spending in this area devolved to the Welsh Government) was '''36.6%''' for 2021/22.<ref name="auto"/> This represents a significant reduction (e.g. it was 80.9% in 2015) due to the controversial classification of [[HS2]] as an 'England and Wales' project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-51474181|title=HS2: Wales should get £5bn from rail scheme spending, says minister|date=12 February 2020|work=BBC News}}</ref> |
Wales' [[Barnett_formula|comparability factor]] (the proportion of spending in this area devolved to the Welsh Government) was '''36.6%''' for 2021/22.<ref name="auto"/> This represents a significant reduction (e.g. it was 80.9% in 2015) due to the controversial classification of [[HS2]] as an 'England and Wales' project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-51474181|title=HS2: Wales should get £5bn from rail scheme spending, says minister|date=12 February 2020|work=BBC News}}</ref> |
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==History{{anchor|Ministry of Transport Act 1919}}== |
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{{Infobox UK legislation |
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| short_title = Ministry of Transport Act 1919 |
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| type = Act |
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| parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom |
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| long_title = An Act to establish a Ministry of Transport and for purposes connected therewith. |
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| year = 1919 |
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| citation = [[9 & 10 Geo. 5]]. c. 50 |
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| introduced_commons = |
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| introduced_lords = |
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| territorial_extent = |
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| royal_assent = 15 August 1919 |
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| commencement = |
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| expiry_date = |
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| repeal_date = |
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| amends = |
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| replaces = |
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| amendments = |
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| repealing_legislation = |
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| related_legislation = |
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| status = partially_repealed |
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| legislation_history = |
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| theyworkforyou = |
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| millbankhansard = |
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| original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo5/9-10/50/contents/enacted |
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| revised_text = |
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| use_new_UK-LEG = |
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| UK-LEG_title = Ministry of Transport Act 1919 |
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| collapsed = |
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}} |
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The Ministry of Transport was established by the '''Ministry of Transport Act 1919''' which provided for the transfer to the new ministry of powers and duties of any government department in respect of [[railway]]s, [[light railway]]s, [[tram]]ways, [[canal]]s and [[inland waterway]]s, [[road]]s, [[bridge]]s and [[ferry|ferries]], and [[vehicle]]s and traffic thereon, [[harbours]], [[dock (maritime)|dock]]s and [[pier]]s. |
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In September 1919, all the powers of the Road Board, the Ministry of Health, and the Board of Trade in respect of transport, were transferred to the new ministry. Initially, the department was organised to carry out supervisory, development and executive functions, but the end of railway and canal control by 1921, and the settlement of financial agreements relating to the wartime operations of the railways reduced its role. In 1923, the department was reorganised into three major sections: Secretarial, Finance and Roads. |
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The ministry's functions were exercised initially throughout the United Kingdom. An Irish Branch was established in 1920, but then was taken over by the government of the [[Irish Free State]] on the transfer of functions in 1922. |
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The department took over transport functions of Scottish departments in the same year, though certain functions relating to local government, loan sanction, byelaws and housing were excepted. In May 1937, power to make provisional orders for harbour, pier and ferry works was transferred to the Secretary of State for Scotland. |
|||
The growth of road transport increased the responsibilities of the ministry, and in the 1930s, and especially with defence preparations preceding the outbreak of war, government responsibilities for all means of transport increased significantly. |
|||
Government control of transport and diverse associated matters has been reorganised a number of times in modern history, being the responsibility of: |
|||
*1919–1941: Ministry of Transport |
|||
*1941–1946: [[Ministry of War Transport]], after absorption of [[Ministry of Shipping (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Shipping]] |
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*1946–1953: Ministry of Transport |
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*1953–1959: Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation |
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*1959–1970: Ministry of Transport |
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*1970–1976: [[Secretary of State for the Environment|Department of the Environment]] |
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*1976–1997: Department of Transport |
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*1997–2001: [[Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions]] |
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*2001–2002: Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions |
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*2002–present: Department for Transport |
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The name "Ministry of Transport" lives on in the annual [[MOT test]], a [[Vehicle inspection|test]] of [[vehicle safety]], [[wikt:roadworthiness|roadworthiness]], and [[Exhaust gas|exhaust emissions]], which most vehicles used on public roads in the UK are required to pass annually once they reach three years old (four years for vehicles in [[Northern Ireland]]). |
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[[File:MoT-Flag.svg|thumb|The flag of the old Ministry of Transport]] |
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=== 2017 judicial review === |
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Following a series of strikes, poor performance, concerns over access for the disabled and commuter protests relating to [[Govia Thameslink Railway]] a group of commuters crowdfunded £26,000 to initiate a [[judicial review]] into the Department for Transport's management and failure to penalise Govia or remove the management contract. The oral hearing to determine if commuters have standing to bring a judicial review was listed for 29 June 2017 at the [[Royal Courts of Justice]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/news/commuter-group-to-meet-department-for-transport-in-court-over-southern-crisis-1-8014633|title=Commuter group to meet Department for Transport in court over Southern crisis|website=www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk|date=19 June 2017 |language=en|access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/southernfail/|title=Judicial Review of the Department for Transport over Southern Rail|work=CrowdJustice|access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> |
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The attempted judicial review was not allowed to proceed, and the commuters who brought it had to pay £17,000 in costs to the Department for Transport.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=New Judicial Review case starts today – led by passenger group Bring Back British Rail |url=https://abcommuters.com/2018/04/17/new-judicial-review-case-starts-today-led-by-passenger-group-bring-back-british-rail/ |agency=www.abcommuters.com |date=17 April 2018 |access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Exclusive: Full report of ABC's legal victory, which forces Chris Grayling to decide Southern Rail breaches |url=https://abcommuters.com/2017/07/05/exclusive-full-report-of-abcs-legal-victory-which-forces-chris-grayling-to-decide-southern-rail-breaches/ |agency=www.abcommuters.com |date=5 July 2017 |access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref> |
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== Ministers == |
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The DfT Ministers are as follows, with cabinet ministers in bold:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport|title=Our ministers|website=GOV.UK|language=en|access-date=3 November 2022}}</ref> |
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{| class=wikitable |
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! width=95x|Minister |
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! Portrait |
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! Position |
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! Portfolio |
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|- |
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| {{small|The Rt Hon.}} '''[[Mark Harper]]''' {{small|MP}} |
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| [[File:Mark Harper Official Cabinet Portrait, October 2022 (cropped).jpg|125x125px]] |
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| [[Secretary of State for Transport]] |
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| Overall responsibility for the department; oversight of all areas |
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|- |
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| [[Huw Merriman]] {{small|MP}} |
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| [[File:Official portrait of Huw Merriman MP crop 2.jpg|125x125px]] |
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| [[Minister of State for Transport| Minister of State for Rail and HS2]] |
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| Rail transformation and reform; rail infrastructure; High Speed 2 (HS2); Integrated Rail Plan; Northern Powerhouse Rail; international rail; rail passenger services and freight; accessibility |
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|- |
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| {{small|The Rt Hon.}} [[Anthony Browne (politician)|Anthony Browne]] {{small|MP}} |
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| [[File:Official portrait of Anthony Browne MP crop 2.jpg|125x125px]] |
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| [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport|Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Decarbonisation and Technology]] |
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| Aviation; transport decarbonisation; air quality; technology, (including autonomous vehicles, drones, e-scooters); space; skills, science and research; corporate (including public appointments); aviation accessibility. |
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|- |
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| {{small|The Rt Hon.}} [[Byron Davies|Lord Davies of Gower]] |
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| [[File:Official portrait of Lord Davies of Gower crop 2.jpg|125x125px]] |
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| [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport|Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Maritime and Security]] |
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| Primary legislation in the Lords; maritime; security (including Ukraine); civil contingencies; international; union connectivity; secondary legislation (including retained EU law); maritime accessibility. |
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|- |
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| [[Guy Opperman]] {{small|MP}} |
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| [[File:Official portrait of Guy Opperman crop 2.jpg|125x125px]] |
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| [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport|Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Roads and Local Transport]] |
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| roads maintenance and infrastructure delivery (including National Highways); road safety; motoring agencies (DVLA, DVSA, VCA); local transport including buses, taxis, light rail; active travel (cycling and walking); Kent including BROCK, TAP; EES and borders; haulage; Future of Freight; women’s safety; accessibility (cross-cutting lead as Ministerial Disability Champion). |
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|} |
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The [[Permanent Secretary]] is [[Bernadette Kelly|Dame Bernadette Kelly]]. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* ''[[Julie (public information film)|Julie]]'', a public information film of the department's "THINK!" campaign |
* ''[[Julie (public information film)|Julie]]'', a public information film of the department's "THINK!" campaign |
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* [[DfT OLR Holdings]], a DfT subsidiary acting as [[operator of last resort]] for nationalised railway franchises |
* [[DfT OLR Holdings]], a DfT subsidiary acting as [[operator of last resort]] for nationalised railway franchises |
||
* [[Transport Direct]] |
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* [[Transport Research Laboratory]] (formerly known as the Road Research Laboratory, then the Transport and Road Research Laboratory); now a privatised company |
* [[Transport Research Laboratory]] (formerly known as the Road Research Laboratory, then the Transport and Road Research Laboratory); now a privatised company |
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* [[United Kingdom budget]] |
|||
* [[Urban Traffic Management and Control]] |
* [[Urban Traffic Management and Control]] |
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* [[Rail transport in Great Britain]] |
* [[Rail transport in Great Britain]] |
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Revision as of 23:27, 14 April 2024
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| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 29 May 2002 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of the United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | Great Minster House, Horseferry Road, London |
| Annual budget | £2.9 billion; 2019–20[1] |
| Secretary of State responsible |
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| Department executives |
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| Child agencies | |
| Website | gov |
| This article is part of a series on |
| Politics of the United Kingdom |
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_(Tudor_Crown).svg) |
 United Kingdom portal |
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The Department for Transport (DfT) is a ministerial department of the Government of the United Kingdom. It is responsible for the English transport network and a limited number of transport matters in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland that have not been devolved. The department is run by the Secretary of State for Transport, currently (since 25 October 2022), Mark Harper.
The expenditure, administration, and policy of the Department of Transport are scrutinised by the Transport Committee.[2]
Responsibilities
The Department for Transport has six strategic objectives:[3]
- Support the creation of a stronger, cleaner, more productive economy
- Help to connect people and places, balancing investment across the country
- Make journeys easier, modern and reliable
- Make sure transport is safe, secure and sustainable
- Prepare the transport system for technological progress and a prosperous future outside the EU
- Promote a culture of efficiency and productivity in everything it does
The department "creates the strategic framework" for transport services, which are delivered through a wide range of public and private sector bodies including its own executive agencies.[4]
Executive agencies
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
- National Highways (formerly Highways England and the Highways Agency)
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
- Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
- Active Travel England (ATE)
Non-departmental public bodies
The DfT sponsors the following public bodies:
- British Transport Police Authority
- Northern Lighthouse Board
- Transport Focus
- Trinity House Lighthouse Service
- Civil Aviation Authority
- Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise
Transport publications and data
DfT publications include the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG, formerly WebTAG).[5]
The DfT maintains datasets including the National Trip End Model and traffic counts on major roads.
Devolution
The devolution of transport policy varies around the UK; most aspects in Great Britain are decided at Westminster. Key reserved transport matters (i.e., not devolved) are as follows:
Scotland Reserved matters:[6]
- Air transport
- Marine transport
- Navigation (including merchant shipping)
- Driving and vehicle certification
- Railways (cross-border)
- Road Numbering
Scotland's comparability factor (the proportion of spending in this area devolved to the Scottish Government) was 91.7% for 2021/22.[7]
Northern Ireland Reserved matters:[8]
- Civil aviation
- Navigation (including merchant shipping)
The department's devolved counterparts in Northern Ireland are:
- Department for Infrastructure (general transport policy, ports, roads, and rail)[9]
- Department of the Environment (road safety and the regulation of drivers and vehicles)[10]
Northern Ireland's comparability factor (the proportion of spending in this area devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive) was 95.4% for 2021/22.[7]
Wales Reserved matters:[11]
- Railway Services
- Air transport
- Marine transport including Trust ports and Hovercraft
- Transport security
- Navigation (including merchant shipping)
- Driving and vehicle certification
- Road Numbering
The department's devolved counterpart in Wales is the Minister for Climate Change.[12]
Wales' comparability factor (the proportion of spending in this area devolved to the Welsh Government) was 36.6% for 2021/22.[7] This represents a significant reduction (e.g. it was 80.9% in 2015) due to the controversial classification of HS2 as an 'England and Wales' project.[13]
History
| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act to establish a Ministry of Transport and for purposes connected therewith. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 9 & 10 Geo. 5. c. 50 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 15 August 1919 |
Status: Partially repealed | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Text of the Ministry of Transport Act 1919 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
The Ministry of Transport was established by the Ministry of Transport Act 1919 which provided for the transfer to the new ministry of powers and duties of any government department in respect of railways, light railways, tramways, canals and inland waterways, roads, bridges and ferries, and vehicles and traffic thereon, harbours, docks and piers.
In September 1919, all the powers of the Road Board, the Ministry of Health, and the Board of Trade in respect of transport, were transferred to the new ministry. Initially, the department was organised to carry out supervisory, development and executive functions, but the end of railway and canal control by 1921, and the settlement of financial agreements relating to the wartime operations of the railways reduced its role. In 1923, the department was reorganised into three major sections: Secretarial, Finance and Roads.
The ministry's functions were exercised initially throughout the United Kingdom. An Irish Branch was established in 1920, but then was taken over by the government of the Irish Free State on the transfer of functions in 1922.
The department took over transport functions of Scottish departments in the same year, though certain functions relating to local government, loan sanction, byelaws and housing were excepted. In May 1937, power to make provisional orders for harbour, pier and ferry works was transferred to the Secretary of State for Scotland.
The growth of road transport increased the responsibilities of the ministry, and in the 1930s, and especially with defence preparations preceding the outbreak of war, government responsibilities for all means of transport increased significantly.
Government control of transport and diverse associated matters has been reorganised a number of times in modern history, being the responsibility of:
- 1919–1941: Ministry of Transport
- 1941–1946: Ministry of War Transport, after absorption of Ministry of Shipping
- 1946–1953: Ministry of Transport
- 1953–1959: Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation
- 1959–1970: Ministry of Transport
- 1970–1976: Department of the Environment
- 1976–1997: Department of Transport
- 1997–2001: Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions
- 2001–2002: Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions
- 2002–present: Department for Transport
The name "Ministry of Transport" lives on in the annual MOT test, a test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions, which most vehicles used on public roads in the UK are required to pass annually once they reach three years old (four years for vehicles in Northern Ireland).
2017 judicial review
Following a series of strikes, poor performance, concerns over access for the disabled and commuter protests relating to Govia Thameslink Railway a group of commuters crowdfunded £26,000 to initiate a judicial review into the Department for Transport's management and failure to penalise Govia or remove the management contract. The oral hearing to determine if commuters have standing to bring a judicial review was listed for 29 June 2017 at the Royal Courts of Justice.[14][15]
The attempted judicial review was not allowed to proceed, and the commuters who brought it had to pay £17,000 in costs to the Department for Transport.[16][17]
Ministers
The DfT Ministers are as follows, with cabinet ministers in bold:[18]
| Minister | Portrait | Position | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rt Hon. Mark Harper MP | .jpg)
|
Secretary of State for Transport | Overall responsibility for the department; oversight of all areas |
| Huw Merriman MP | 
|
Minister of State for Rail and HS2 | Rail transformation and reform; rail infrastructure; High Speed 2 (HS2); Integrated Rail Plan; Northern Powerhouse Rail; international rail; rail passenger services and freight; accessibility |
| The Rt Hon. Anthony Browne MP | 
|
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Decarbonisation and Technology | Aviation; transport decarbonisation; air quality; technology, (including autonomous vehicles, drones, e-scooters); space; skills, science and research; corporate (including public appointments); aviation accessibility. |
| The Rt Hon. Lord Davies of Gower | 
|
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Maritime and Security | Primary legislation in the Lords; maritime; security (including Ukraine); civil contingencies; international; union connectivity; secondary legislation (including retained EU law); maritime accessibility. |
| Guy Opperman MP | 
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Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Roads and Local Transport | roads maintenance and infrastructure delivery (including National Highways); road safety; motoring agencies (DVLA, DVSA, VCA); local transport including buses, taxis, light rail; active travel (cycling and walking); Kent including BROCK, TAP; EES and borders; haulage; Future of Freight; women’s safety; accessibility (cross-cutting lead as Ministerial Disability Champion). |
The Permanent Secretary is Dame Bernadette Kelly.
See also
- Julie, a public information film of the department's "THINK!" campaign
- DfT OLR Holdings, a DfT subsidiary acting as operator of last resort for nationalised railway franchises
- Transport Research Laboratory (formerly known as the Road Research Laboratory, then the Transport and Road Research Laboratory); now a privatised company
- Urban Traffic Management and Control
- Rail transport in Great Britain
References
This article incorporates text published under the British Open Government Licence: National Archives (1613–2010). "Records created or inherited by the Transport Ministries, and by related bodies, and by the London Passenger Transport Board". Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ^ Budget 2018 (PDF). London: HM Treasury. 2018. p. 24. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ "Role - Transport Committee". parliament.uk. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
The Transport Committee is charged by the House of Commons with scrutiny of the Department for Transport. Its formal remit is to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Department for Transport and its associated public bodies.
- ^ "Department for Transport Outcome Delivery Plan". GOV.UK.
- ^ "Department for Transport". GOV.UK. 11 April 2024.
- ^ "Transport analysis guidance". GOV.UK. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- ^ "Scotland Act 1998".
- ^ a b c "The Barnett Formula, House of Commons Library brief" (PDF). www.parliament.uk.
- ^ "Northern Ireland Act 1998".
- ^ "DRD: About The Department". Archived from the original on 29 April 2008. Retrieved 29 May 2010.
- ^ DoE: About Us Archived 8 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Government of Wales Act 2006, Schedule 7A, Part II
- ^ "Welsh Government profile of Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change". gov.wales. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- ^ "HS2: Wales should get £5bn from rail scheme spending, says minister". BBC News. 12 February 2020.
- ^ "Commuter group to meet Department for Transport in court over Southern crisis". www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk. 19 June 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
- ^ "Judicial Review of the Department for Transport over Southern Rail". CrowdJustice. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
- ^ "New Judicial Review case starts today – led by passenger group Bring Back British Rail" (Press release). www.abcommuters.com. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
- ^ "Exclusive: Full report of ABC's legal victory, which forces Chris Grayling to decide Southern Rail breaches" (Press release). www.abcommuters.com. 5 July 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
- ^ "Our ministers". GOV.UK. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
External links
| International | |
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| National | |
| Academics | |
| People | |