Department for Transport
PFD Addressee
Reports: 133
Earliest: Oct 2013
Latest: 6 Apr 2026
77% 2-year response rate (below 83% average). 23% of classified responses show concrete action taken.
PFD Reports
81 resultsPaul Green
All Responded
2026-0146
12 Mar 2026
West Sussex, Brighton and Hove
Child Death
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The current system allows inexperienced 17-year-old drivers to drive unsupervised with teenage passengers, which is a factor in collisions and increases the risk of future fatal incidents.
1 response
from Minister of Local Transport
Nathan Cyster
All Responded
2026-0051
3 Feb 2026
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Hazardous right-turn manoeuvres, absent "left turn only" signage, ineffective road markings, and ambiguous legal guidance for crossing double white lines collectively create a dangerous road environment.
Noted
(AI summary)
National Highways will investigate road markings, signing, and carriageway layout on the A5, with a view to identifying mitigation measures to reduce injudicious overtaking. Implementation of any measures is subject to funding availability, with the investigation to be completed by 30/06/2026 and implementation in FY 2026-27. • Moss Farm Shop has asked Midland Signs to prepare a "no right turn" sign to be placed at the exit of the car park.
• Moss Farm Shop will advise drivers leaving the shop not to turn right.
Lisa Bowen
All Responded
2025-0592
20 Nov 2025
Surrey
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A vehicle's anti-locking braking system (ABS) critically failed after a tyre detachment, incorrectly reducing braking and creating an unaddressed design flaw. This specific scenario of tyre detachment is not accounted for in industry testing, affecting many vehicles.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport will highlight the particulars of the case at the relevant UNECE forum in May and collaborate on whether specific provisions are necessary for R13H; officials will also gather relevant information to understand potential risks to existing vehicles and consider retrospective action. Toyota has been gradually implementing changes in the design of its new cars to ensure that drivers are provided with more information about any reduction in tyre air pressure and are discouraged from driving when tyres are in a dangerous condition, and regularly communicates through its social media, customer communications and website channels to promote safe driving.
Christopher Sampson
All Responded
2025-0572
12 Nov 2025
Birmingham and Solihull
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Drivers are failing to self-notify the DVLA of medical conditions, and there's a lack of clarity on medical professionals' awareness or effective use of reporting guidelines. A promised national road safety strategy addressing this issue remains unpublished.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The General Medical Council (GMC) plans to launch a targeted awareness campaign in the new year, using its communication channels, to promote its existing guidance on assessing patients' fitness to drive. The GMC is also exploring opportunities for joint working with the General Optical Council. The General Optical Council will include information in its next registrant newsletter highlighting responsibilities regarding drivers' fitness to drive and explore using its annual survey to gather evidence on barriers preventing referrals. It also awaits the Government's strategy on this issue and will then work with stakeholders. The Department for Transport is considering evidence gathered during the 2023 call for evidence and findings from recent inquests, giving consideration to the process of self-declaration. The department has also developed a new Road Safety Strategy.
Martin Evans, Patricia Evans and Neil Errington
All Responded
2025-0523
16 Oct 2025
Cumbria
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The DVLA's over-reliance on drivers self-reporting medical unfitness is problematic, as some individuals with impairments may lack insight or be unwilling to inform them, risking future deaths.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The DVLA will review its guidance to clinicians on assessing driving risk related to medical conditions, to improve clarity and consistency, potentially including structured risk assessment tools and clearer expectations for specialist reports. The Department for Transport will review the self-declaration forms and consider ways to further raise awareness of the importance of notifying medical conditions to the DVLA and the potential consequences of failing to do so. They will engage with healthcare professionals to reinforce the importance of notifying the DVLA if their patient lacks the capacity or willingness to inform the DVLA of their condition themselves.
Robert English
All Responded
2025-0380
25 Jul 2025
North London
Railway related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Inadequate lighting on railway tracks and trains makes it difficult to locate trespassers at night, meaning current safety provisions are insufficient and increase the risk of collision.
Noted
(AI summary)
TfL updated operational rules for track searches on 12 May 2025 and established a review group to improve communication between operational staff and police. They are testing a prototype lighting rig to enhance track illumination at night and plan to roll it out across the LU network in 2026 if successful. The Department for Transport notes the concerns and refers to Transport for London's responsibility for operational safety and their response to the report. The Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) states that its standards do not apply to London Underground, and that existing mainline regulations and safety data do not warrant further action on their part.
Paul Ransom
All Responded
2025-0353
10 Jul 2025
Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Thin surface treatments on roads can cause significantly reduced friction in early life, particularly dangerous for motorcycles in dry conditions, without adequate warning signage for drivers unaware of the altered grip.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
ADEPT will share relevant research, learning, best practice and technical guidance relating to thin surface treatments and road safety with its members, working with the DfT and RSTA. The RSTA reviewed specifications and processes with members and will discuss concerns raised by the Coroner relating to asphalt preservation systems with National Highways, providing an update after the meeting. The DfT will work with ADEPT to raise awareness of the "early life effects" issue among local highways authorities and will review/update the 'Well Managed Highways Infrastructure: A Code of Practice' to address the report's recommendations, considering signage for thin surface treatment locations.
Richard Osman
All Responded
2025-0311
5 Jun 2025
Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Cockpit fire/smoke procedures need a full review for oxygen fire recognition and protective equipment. International civil aviation investigation protocols require amendment for state participation and final report timelines.
Noted
(AI summary)
The CAA concludes that no change to the existing aviation safety regulation framework is currently required, given safeguards in place related to airworthiness and operational regulations, design and certification requirements and operator safety management systems; however, it will continue to carefully monitor safety data and future aviation safety investigation recommendations related to fire risks. The CAA concludes that no change to the existing aviation safety regulation framework is currently required, given safeguards in place related to airworthiness and operational regulations, design and certification requirements and operator safety management systems; however, it will continue to carefully monitor safety data and future aviation safety investigation recommendations related to fire risks. The DfT notes that ICAO has amended Annex 13 via SARP 5.1.3 (Amendment 17 of Annex 13) introducing the right for another state to request that they take over investigative responsibility should no investigation be initiated within thirty days and giving states the right to do their own investigation using widely available information if no investigation is then initiated.
Patricia Bushell
All Responded
2025-0228
16 May 2025
Rutland and North Leicestershire
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
National regulations for temporary road signage are inadequate, as compliant signage at a collision site was found to be insufficient, indicating a wider safety issue.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
While noting existing guidance, the Department for Transport will ensure the issue of temporary signage during maintenance works is considered as part of their current update to the Code of Practice.
Charlotte Avis
All Responded
2025-0213
6 May 2025
Dorset
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A specific crossroads has a history of numerous serious and fatal collisions, and concerns remain regarding the road layout despite a speed limit reduction, indicating a risk of future deaths.
Noted
(AI summary)
Dorset Council plans to implement a temporary traffic regulation order prohibiting certain turns at the Loscombe Crossroads. They are also conducting a feasibility study to introduce average speed cameras on the A30 between Yeovil and Sherborne. The Department for Transport acknowledges the concerns but states that decisions about road layout and safety are the responsibility of the local traffic authority (Dorset Council).
Rosemary MacAndrew
All Responded
2025-0214
2 May 2025
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The vehicle licensing system relies on older drivers, including those with cognitive decline, to self-report medical conditions. This self-reporting is inadequate and poses a risk of future road deaths.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The DVLA is considering research and evidence, including evidence presented during the inquest, to inform potential changes to the law that governs driver licensing for those with medical conditions. The Department is also developing its Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course.
Raymond Mills
All Responded
2025-0199
24 Apr 2025
Norfolk
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
No clear system exists to determine ownership and responsibility for shipwrecks accessible to the public, resulting in a lack of essential warning signage and an inability to address safety concerns.
Noted
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport confirms that it is not the owner of the wreck and has no legal responsibility pertaining to it, as the wreck was sold to a private individual in 1957.
Peter Westwell, Mary Cunningham, Grace Foulds, Anne Ferguson
All Responded
2025-0197
17 Apr 2025
Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The UK's driver licensing system has lax visual acuity checks, relying on flawed self-reporting over decades. This enables drivers with impaired vision to obtain licenses through deception, creating a significant road safety risk.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport details existing requirements for drivers to self-declare vision standards and medical conditions. The DVLA is considering research and evidence from a 2023 call for evidence, and will also consider evidence from the inquest to inform potential changes to driver licensing laws, as well as policy options as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.
Sheila Edwards
All Responded
2025-0196
17 Apr 2025
Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The driving licence system's reliance on self-reporting medical conditions, particularly dementia, is unsafe due to significant underreporting. This exposes other road users to substantial risk from drivers with compromised abilities.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport acknowledges limitations in the STATS19 system for recording medical conditions in collision data and will explore linking collision data with DVLA records. The Department will also continue to work with healthcare professionals, driving organisations and regulatory bodies to enhance road safety.
William Radford
All Responded
2025-0143
14 Mar 2025
West Sussex, Brighton and Hove
Child Death
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Inexperienced young drivers, recently passing their test, face increased accident risk when carrying young passengers, highlighting a concern about current regulations.
Noted
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport acknowledges the coroner's concerns, highlights the falling number of fatalities for young drivers, and mentions the THINK! campaign and development of a new road safety strategy without committing to specific changes related to the concerns raised.
Paul Collingridge
All Responded
2025-0100
20 Feb 2025
Essex
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Roadworks safety procedures have flaws regarding distance calculations, inconsistent road markings, and a lack of requirement to report fatalities on permit applications, hindering safety assessments.
Noted
(AI summary)
Affinity Water expresses condolences and describes existing safety measures and a commitment to zero harm. Following the death, they reviewed and strengthened traffic management practices and implemented stricter oversight of contractors, resulting in a reduction in street works requiring emergency permits; they also enhanced permit application processes, including additional resourcing, improved communication, and reinforced training. The Department for Transport expresses condolences and notes that road safety is a high priority. It describes the role of the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice and that the code is currently being updated with a consultation planned for early summer and publication by the end of 2025, taking the coroner's report into account. Hatton Traffic Management undertook a full review of emergency works procedures, resulting in new design layouts for all traffic light schemes which were rolled out across the business. A specific toolbox talk addressing this issue and the above changes, was devised and rolled out across the business. Essex County Council explains its role in regulating street works, noting limitations in refusing permits and the use of the Street Manager system. They will raise the lack of incident reporting in retrospective permit applications with the Department for Transport.
Simon Harding
All Responded
2025-0065
5 Feb 2025
Somerset
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A severe lack of safety protocols at the moto-cross track, including no rider registration, safety briefings, or skill segregation, coupled with inadequate supervision and untrained staff, highlights a critical absence of mandatory industry regulation.
Noted
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport states that the concerns raised are not appropriate for them to respond to, as the incident occurred on a racetrack and not on a public highway, and refers the matter to DCMS. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will work with Sport England, HSE, the ACU, the Department for Transport, and other stakeholders to assess possible actions to improve track safety and help prevent future deaths at motocross activities.
Joseph Walsh
All Responded
2025-0023
13 Jan 2025
West Yorkshire Western
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
There are no legal restrictions on newly qualified drivers carrying multiple young passengers, which increases collision risk and warrants a review of current provisions.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport is developing a road safety strategy and exploring options to tackle the root causes of incidents involving young drivers and is also considering further policy options regarding motoring offences.
Tobias Barraclough
All Responded
2025-0022
13 Jan 2025
West Yorkshire Western
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
There are no legal restrictions on newly qualified drivers carrying multiple young passengers, which increases collision risk and warrants a review of current provisions.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport is developing a road safety strategy and exploring options to tackle the root causes of incidents involving young drivers and is also considering further policy options regarding motoring offences.
Angela Carney
All Responded
2025-0021
13 Jan 2025
West Yorkshire Western
Product related deaths
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Many mobility scooters, especially older models, lack a crucial secondary hand brake system, creating significant safety risks for riders and the public. Guidelines need reviewing.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The MHRA is working on updating its "Medical devices: information for users and patients" guidance to raise awareness on important considerations prior to purchasing a mobility scooter, with publication expected by June 2025, and will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to disseminate this information. The Department for Transport will liaise with the MHRA to establish whether anything further can be done to prevent such deaths, such as providing information to mobility scooter users about the risks of operating in freewheel mode and warning about the absence of a secondary brake on older models.
Daniel Isaacs
All Responded
2024-0709
24 Dec 2024
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
There is no requirement for electric scooter riders to wear helmets, increasing the risk of fatal head injuries in collisions due to their vulnerability on the road.
Noted
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport acknowledges the concerns regarding helmet use for e-scooter and bicycle riders. The government guidance for e-scooter rental trials strongly recommends all users should wear helmets. They state that helmets remain a matter of personal choice for cyclists.
Jean Langan
All Responded
2025-0068
13 Dec 2024
Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The absence of a real-time database for hospital helicopter landing sites and a lack of readily available manager contact details present significant risks to safe helicopter operations.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
While hospitals are responsible for HHLS safety, the DfT is considering legislation to ensure safety at all HHLSs and will assist DHSC in developing options for an HHLS database. DHSC states that NHS England now has the contact information for accountable managers at all Trusts operating HHLS and has worked with them to implement requests from Bristow's Helipad operator. DHSC says it is engaging with NHS England and the Department of Transport to determine how best to implement the recommendation to develop a database of HHLSs. The Trust amended the EMRT policy to clarify when EMRT calls are appropriate even with a DNACPR in place, communicated the updated policy to staff, and aligned wording with the Treatment Escalation Plan policy. They also commenced a cascade training programme for swallowing safety, trained nurses, and re-circulated dysphagia guidelines.
Jon-Paul Prigent
All Responded
2024-0648
26 Nov 2024
Derby and Derbyshire
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Agricultural tractors and trailers lack independent roadworthiness testing and essential safety features like decoupling prevention, despite their increasing size and road usage. Current regulations are outdated, posing significant public road safety risks.
Noted
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport will examine what more could be done to ensure the roadworthiness of tractors, trailers and coupling devices and will investigate how best to raise awareness of the DVSA's published guidance on maintaining roadworthiness and vehicle loading, as well as of the existing voluntary trailer maintenance scheme. The NFU provides information and guidance to its members via its website, Business Guides, the British Farmer and Grower magazine, and electronic newsletters, and regularly highlights the importance of tractor and trailer maintenance when communicating with its members. HSE outlines its role as Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety and highlights that the health and safety legislative framework and associated guidance is sufficient and clear in its requirement to use equipment suitable for the task that is maintained in a safe condition. The AEA and BAGMA would support proposals for change from the Department for Transport including extending mandatory roadworthiness testing to vehicles travelling below 25mph and requiring failsafe breakaway systems on all trailers.
Dorothy Nias
All Responded
2024-0642
20 Nov 2024
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The absence of mandatory medical checks for drivers over 70, who only self-declare fitness, poses a significant road safety risk. This enables drivers with declining abilities to remain on the road, contributing to fatal and serious collisions.
Noted
(AI summary)
The DVLA acknowledges receipt of the coroner's report and extends condolences, stating that a full response, agreed with the Department for Transport, will be sent by the Secretary of State for Transport. The Department for Transport acknowledges the concerns, explains the driver licensing renewal process for those over 70, and mentions a 2023 call for evidence on driver licensing for people with medical conditions, the analysis of which is ongoing, with potential changes to the legislative framework to follow.
Emily Lewis
All Responded
2024-0634
15 Nov 2024
Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton
Child Death
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Inconsistent regulations for high-speed RIB operations, inadequate craft design for passenger safety, poor forward visibility, and insufficient risk management systems contribute to serious impact and vibration injuries. Licensing arrangements and interim safety measures are needed.
Noted
(AI summary)
The UKHMA engaged with stakeholders and communicated findings to members, and brought the MAIB report to the PMSC steering group. They also proposed the inclusion of guidance in the GTGP, which is expected to be reviewed around Q3 2024. British Marine helped produce and publish the HSPV code in 2010, revised in 2019, and made its use a requirement of membership for operators carrying out this type of activity. The RYA has delayed review of its "Small High Speed Passenger Vessel Voluntary Code of Practice" awaiting MCA legislation, and envisages releasing a revised edition soon after the MCA Sport and Pleasure Vessel Code is finalized. The BPA acknowledges the concerns and has corresponded with the MAIB regarding guidance, stating the MCA should lead this. The BPA has offered to promote and amplify guidance, but is not insured to set safety-critical guidelines itself. The Department for Transport states that the MCA is prioritising an updated Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code, currently under public consultation. The MCA has also been tasked to commission an anthropometric assessment of small high-speed passenger craft safety, with results expected in late spring/early summer 2026. The British Standards Institution acknowledges the concern regarding BS EN ISO 11591 but clarifies its role as a facilitator for expert committees to develop standards, not to interpret or regulate them; BSI will refer the concerns to the relevant technical committee. Associated British Ports acknowledges the concerns but states that monitoring AIS tracks of vessels and intervening in their operation would be very challenging, require dedicated resources, and may not materially increase the safety of harbour users, also noting the limitations of their powers and resources for policing vessels. The MCA is working on an updated Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code, informed by the MAIB Investigation Report, which is currently undergoing public consultation. They have also begun procurement for an anthropometric assessment of small high-speed passenger craft safety, with a report expected in late spring/early summer 2026 to inform future code revisions and guidance. Red Bay Boats Limited has instructed Scot Seats to test seats to meet HSC 2000 standards; they recommend installation of Scot Seats where possible; they will not accept any commissions in the thrill-seeking market; and feel that sea safari craft should not exceed 25 knots. The UKMPG states it supports information sharing but doesn't develop guidance and believes this should be led by the MCA. They will support actions suggested but this must be led by the MCA with industry input.