The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation seeking views on the design of an aviation fuel supplier levy that will fund the sustainable aviation fuel revenue certainty mechanism. The consultation covers calculation methods, collection timing and frequency, use of forecasts and procedures for addressing over or under-collection of the levy. The consultation runs until 8 January 2026.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), a revised version of the 2018 Airports National Policy Statement, presented to Parliament under section 9(2) of the Planning Act 2008 (PA 2008). The draft HENPS will, once finalised and designated, provide the planning policy framework for development consent applications for expansion at Heathrow Airport. The draft HENPS applies to applications for development consent that cover any of the following criteria:

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on the UK's implementation of the UN's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The consultation outlines options for adopting the global carbon offsetting scheme, aimed at reducing the climate impact of flying. Aviation contributes around 3% of global emissions. The consultation’s proposals include measures for UK regulation of CORSIA, penalties for non-compliance, and strategies to prevent double regulation with the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) for flights between the UK and Europe. The consultation closes on 10 February 2025.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation, seeking views on proposals supporting the UK's transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). The consultation is divided into two parts. The first, conducted solely by the UK government, focuses on phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. It seeks input on ending the sale of new internal combustion engine cars from 2030, potential requirements for new non-zero emission vans to be sold from 2030 to 2035, considerations for small volume manufacturers, and measures to support ZEV uptake. The second part, conducted in collaboration with devolved administrations, examines the ZEV Mandate, delivered though vehicle emissions trading schemes. It seeks views on existing flexibilities and potential technical updates to the Mandate, which will inform future amendments to the Mandate and CO2 emissions regulation. The consultation closes on 18 February 2024.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on proposed reforms to street works legislation. The consultation covers a series of reforms including the requirement of at least 50% of any surplus lane rental funds to be spent on repairing potholes, raising the fixed penalty notice level for five street works offences and allowing overrun charges to apply at weekends and bank holidays. The consultation closes on 11 March 2024.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on the options for a revenue certainty mechanism to support the sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) industry. The consultation is seeking views on the reasons for introducing the mechanism, the assessment of the nominated mechanism options, and how these can be implemented in the UK. The mechanism aims to lower the risks of uncertain revenues for newly established SAF facilities, improve domestic SAF production and help satisfy the SAF mandate while also attracting investment into UK SAF projects. This consultation will close on 20 June 2024 at 11:59 pm.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on proposed amendments to the national policy statement for ports—the first major revision since its 2012 designation. The updated statement will apply to ports in England and Milford Haven port in Wales, encompassing the related road and rail infrastructure. The amendments aim to address recent structural changes in port infrastructure and place an enhanced emphasis on renewable energy development and environmental considerations.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a 12-week consultation on proposals to restructure taxi and private hire vehicle licensing by reducing licensing authorities from 263 different bodies to 70 local transport authorities. The consultation, published on 8 January 2026, proposes transferring licensing powers from councils and Transport for London to local transport authorities, which already manage local transport planning. The proposals aim to address 'out-of-area' working, where drivers obtain licences in one area but operate mainly in another. Under the proposed framework, the Transport Secretary would gain powers to introduce national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, ensuring all drivers are subject to robust checks. The measures form part of the government's response to Baroness Casey's National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which recommended more rigorous statutory standards for local authority licensing and regulation of taxi drivers.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a new Jet Zero Taskforce to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation. Building on the efforts of the previous Jet Zero Council, this Taskforce seeks to facilitate the production and delivery of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and zero emission flights, improve the efficiency of aviation systems, and explore the sector’s demand for greenhouse gas removals and the non-CO2 impacts of aviation, such as vapour trails. On 22 November 2024, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) Order 2024, SI 2024/1187, was signed into law, requiring an increasing amount of SAF in overall jet fuel, effective from 1 January 2025. It also creates a SAF obligation scheme, requiring 22% of all jet fuel to be sourced sustainably by 2024. The Taskforce is scheduled to meet on 4 December 2024.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published its Transport Artificial Intelligence Action Plan and issued a call for evidence on the Statement of Safety Principles, a statutory requirement under section 2 of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 (the Act). Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that the Government will also accelerate commercial pilots of driverless taxi and bus-like services, bringing these forward to spring 2026—one year earlier than planned. These pilots, which will not require a safety driver, are intended to inform the implementation of the new regulatory regime and contribute to road safety, economic growth, and job creation.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that applications are open for operators to join a pilot scheme for self-driving taxi, bus and private hire-style vehicles across Great Britain. The pilots will gather real-world evidence on how automated vehicles operate on public roads, including navigating urban environments, interacting with traffic and carrying passengers safely. According to the DfT, participating services will be subject to government approval processes, including safety and cybersecurity assessments. Local transport authorities, including Transport for London, will also be required to provide consent before services can operate in their areas. Findings from the pilots will support the development of self-driving vehicle regulations following a government call for evidence that closed in March 2026. Passengers are expected to be able to book self-driving taxi and bus-style services later in 2026.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the Secretary of State for Transport proposes to revoke the A47 Wansford to Sutton Development Consent Order 2023. The Secretary of State has determined that exceptional circumstances justify the revocation, following the government’s decision to discontinue funding the scheme after the 2025 Spending Review. The Order, issued on 17 February 2023, authorised National Highways to develop a dual carriageway between Wansford and the western end of the existing A47 dual carriageway at Sutton. The deadline for submitting representations is 25 March 2026.