Information about the Department for Transport

The Department for Transport (DfT) is one of the most dynamic and complex public sector organisations in the UK. Tasked with providing first class leadership and strategy to the transport sector, the DfT's 19,000 employees actively work with public and private sector partners to deliver improvement and development.

The DfT's aim is transport that works for everyone. This means a transport system which balances the needs of the economy, the environment and society. In support of this aim, the Department has four strategic objectives:

• to sustain economic growth and improved productivity through consistent and efficient transport networks
• to improve the environmental performance of transport
• to strengthen the safety and security of transport
• to enhance access to jobs, services and social networks, including for the most disadvantaged

To achieve these objectives, the DfT concentrates its work around 6 key themes:

• improving the current operation and capacity of transport services, and providing better information for travellers
• shaping the future pattern of demand for transport, including through land-use planning and appropriate pricing
• tackling the environmental impacts of transport through pricing, regulation, technology, consumer information and promoting efficient use of resources
• planning and managing investment programmes for the long-term
• regulating and licensing certain transport services and operators
• managing information and delivering services to support wider Government objectives

The Department strives to carry out its work effectively and efficiently, achieving value for money from its expenditure, as well as to be a good employer and to innovate in public service, management and delivery.