Written question asked by Lord Bradshaw (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Attlee (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 December 2010.

Roads: Construction

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether their cost-benefit analyses of road construction schemes explain what proportion of the benefits arise out of small time savings of two minutes or less aggregated together; and whether they will publish such analyses.

Answer: In January 2010, the Department for Transport issued ““in draft”” scheme appraisal guidance requiring scheme promoters to report how benefits from travel time changes break down into time bands, one of which is zero to two minutes per trip. The guidance is available at: http://www.dit.gov.uk/webtag/documents/expert/pdf/unit3.5.3d.pdf. Appraisal results are published by scheme promoters when appropriate. For example, the Highways Agency publishes appraisal information on its website: http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/29639.aspx The Department for Transport’s Business Plan for 2011-2015 states it will reform the way transport projects are assessed, and funding prioritisation decisions are made, so that the benefits of low-carbon proposals are fully recognised. This includes reviewing and revising its guidance on appraising transport projects, as well as its processes for assessing schemes and supporting ministerial decisions. We aim to announce the scope and timetable of this review shortly.

Secondary information