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About us

We work with our agencies and partners to support the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move.

Responsibilities

We are responsible for:

  • providing policy, guidance and funding to English local authorities to help them run and maintain their road networks, improve passenger and freight travel and develop new major transport schemes
  • investing in operating, maintaining and renewing around 4,300 miles of England’s motorway and trunk road network through National Highways
  • setting the strategic direction for the rail industry in England and Wales – funding investment in infrastructure through Network Rail and regulating rail fares
  • improving English bus services through funding and regulation
  • working to make our roads less congested and polluted by promoting lower carbon transport, including cycling and walking
  • encouraging the use of new technology such as smart ticketing and low carbon vehicles
  • maintaining high standards of safety and security in transport
  • supporting the maritime sector by producing the overall strategy and planning policy for ports in England and Wales
  • setting national aviation policy, working with airlines, airports, the Civil Aviation Authority and NATS (the UK’s air traffic service)

Strategic outcomes

We have 3 strategic outcomes.

Enhancing growth and place

Enhancing economic growth by transforming the transport system. We will do this by maintaining and renewing our existing roads and railways and developing new infrastructure, tailored to the needs and opportunities of different places and delivered through local partnerships.

Improving journeys for people

Improving the transport system to prioritise people’s needs, ensuring that journeys are seamlessly integrated and affordable, dependable, accessible, inclusive and safe. This will enable everyone to travel with confidence and convenience, while accessing work, essential services, leisure activities and opportunities.

Delivering green and healthy transport

Delivering greener transport to cut emissions, improve air quality, and boost public health, supporting walking, wheeling and cycling, and strengthening climate resilience.

Who we are

At the end of 2025 to 2026, the Department for Transport and its agencies employed around 17,910 staff and 188 non-payroll workers, based in locations across the country.

Corporate information

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