The Department for Transport works 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.

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, maintaining and operating around 4,300 miles of the motorway and trunk road network in England through Highways England.

- setting the strategic direction for the rail industry in England and Wales – funding investment in infrastructure through Network Rail, awarding and managing rail franchises, 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).