Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Micromobility Vehicles

Thursday 11 September 2025 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The term "invalid carriages" in legislation is considered outdated and discriminatory.
  • Rail travellers between Exeter and London Waterloo have encountered an excuse of "soil moisture deficit" affecting travel.
  • The reopening of the Boulby line on 28 September for 200 years of passenger rail is celebrated, with discussions for permanent reopening to improve access to jobs and opportunities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Francis Lab Bexleyheath and Crayford
NHS
Context

The question concerns the use and regulation of e-scooters, with a focus on terminology that may be considered outdated or discriminatory. The MP declares an interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary group for wheelchair users.

Question

Does the Minister accept that a wheelchair, whether manual or with power, is a medical device that enables disabled people to maximise their independence and live the life they choose? Does he therefore agree that the terminology of “invalid carriages” in the legislation is discriminatory and outdated and that the regulations on the use of micromobility vehicles require updating urgently?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

I share my hon. Friend’s view that the term “invalid carriages” in the existing legislation is outdated and no longer reflects modern attitudes or needs. This Government are committed to ensuring that disabled people have the same freedom to travel as everyone else and we recognise that mobility devices are vital for many. That is why we are reviewing the legal frameworks surrounding mobility devices, including the outdated terminology, and we will consult on that in due course.

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Q2 Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth
Transport
Context

The question concerns the adequacy of passenger rail infrastructure, specifically referencing soil moisture deficit as a new excuse for delays on the Exeter to London Waterloo route.

Question

Rail travellers are used to the excuse of leaves on the line, but travellers on the railway between Exeter and London Waterloo have recently encountered a new one: soil moisture deficit. Dualling the line on a three-mile section of the track near Whimple could give passengers travelling on the west of England line two trains per hour. Will the Minister please look favourably at that modest investment, which would improve frequency, reliability and resilience for one of the two main rail routes into the south-west?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

I understand the frustration of the travelling public. We experienced a particularly dry summer this year and Network Rail had made preparations to deal with that, but I recognise that “dry soil” is as frustrating as “leaves on the line”. I will certainly look into the specific scheme that the hon. Gentleman suggests and I am happy to write to him with more information on that.

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Q3 Luke Myer Lab Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Transport
Context

The question discusses the potential for permanently reopening a historic railway line in Middlesbrough to improve access to jobs and opportunities.

Question

On 28 September, the historic Boulby line in my constituency will be reopened for passengers to celebrate 200 years of passenger rail. Yet I believe the line ought to be open permanently so people can access jobs and opportunities. Will the Secretary of State meet me to talk about that prospect and other transport proposals that I have for East Cleveland?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend. He is right that in some instances, reopening branch lines on the rail network can be transformative for areas. I visited the opening of the Northumberland line in the first week I was in this job. Passenger numbers on that stretch of line have exceeded expectations and are unlocking opportunities for a whole range of communities in the north-east. Of course we want to replicate that across the country. That is why we have announced additional investment in the MetroWest scheme, down in the areas surrounding Bristol. I am happy to talk to him about the situation in his constituency in Cleveland.

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