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Dept for Transport

Answer

Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the Government have done since 1997 to convince people to use methods of transport apart from the car. [69527] Mr. Jamieson: We published our Integrated Transport White Paper in 1998, and our 10-year plan for Transport in 2000. These documents set out our policy for promoting choice for the travelling public. Initiatives we have taken or are taking to promote alternative forms of transport to the car include: Introduction of Bus Quality Partnerships; introduction of a new Urban Bus Challenge Fund; guaranteeing half-fare travel concession for elderly and disabled people; Increased funding for rural transport; resulting in over 1,800 new or enhanced services so far in England alone. In supporting 150 innovative rural transport schemes under the Rural Bus Challenge scheme; Rural Transport Partnerships which we aim to have in every rural community in England by next year; Appointment of a new team of regional cycling co-ordinators, to support delivery of the National Cycling Strategy, and announced funding for the first 10 cycling projects under a new £2 million Cycling Projects Fund; Preparation of a draft national walking strategy which will be issued for consultation in due course; £1.5 billion for local authorities in England to implement their Local Transport Plans in 2002-03. These include many measures designed to make public transport more available, more reliable and more attractive; Encouraging and supporting the take-up of travel plans by businesses, schools, hospitals, local authorities and other major employers; Establishment of "traveline"; a national telephone-based public transport information system; Working on "Transport Direct", an internet programme which aims to provide travellers with all the information they need. This will be online in 2003; Supporting a range of travel awareness campaigns including "Walk to School, Bike Week" and "In town, without my car".

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

69527; 389 c147-8W;389 c148W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Cars Public transport Travel Transport Road traffic Roads Road traffic control

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk