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Answering member
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Lord Darling of Roulanish
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Darling of Roulanish, Lord (92)
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I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. We cut VAT because that was the quickest way to put £12.5 billion into the economy. We are also reducing the amount of tax that basic rate taxpayers pay, and introducing measures to help families with children, and pensioners. It will all make a difference. The Institute for Fiscal Studies is independent of Government, but in its report a couple of weeks ago it said that the temporary cut in VAT that is now in place would be a more effective"““stimulus measure than its critics suggest.””"
In addition, the forecasts in the inflation report that the Bank of England published yesterday made the point that the VAT reduction and the other stimulus that we have put in place, together with the effects of monetary policy and falling energy prices, will make a difference.
I know that many small businesses are finding it very difficult at the moment to make ends meet, and that many of their customers are cutting back on what they are doing. That is all the more reason, I would have thought, to support putting more money into the economy. We are putting something like £20 billion into the economy over the next year or so, and other countries right across the world are doing the same thing. It will make a difference. There is no quick fix or overnight solution, but the alternative—of doing nothing and letting the recession take its course—was tried in the 1980s and 1990s. It did not work then and it would not work now.
I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. We cut VAT because that was the quickest way to put £12.5 billion into the economy. We are also reducing the amount of tax that basic rate taxpayers pay, and introducing measures to help families with children, and pensioners. It will all make a difference. The Institute for Fiscal Studies is independent of Government, but in its report a couple of weeks ago it said that the temporary cut in VAT that is now in place would be a more effective"““stimulus measure than its critics suggest.””"
In addition, the forecasts in the inflation report that the Bank of England published yesterday made the point that the VAT reduction and the other stimulus that we have put in place, together with the effects of monetary policy and falling energy prices, will make a difference.
I know that many small businesses are finding it very difficult at the moment to make ends meet, and that many of their customers are cutting back on what they are doing. That is all the more reason, I would have thought, to support putting more money into the economy. We are putting something like £20 billion into the economy over the next year or so, and other countries right across the world are doing the same thing. It will make a difference. There is no quick fix or overnight solution, but the alternative—of doing nothing and letting the recession take its course—was tried in the 1980s and 1990s. It did not work then and it would not work now.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Greg Mulholland
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Oral answers to questions
On Monday, the Federation of Small Businesses said that the VAT cut had not worked. That is certainly what I am hearing from my local businesses. Denise Harrison, the owner of the small business Complete Image, pointed out that reprinting her price list would cost so much that lowering her prices would not be economic. When will the Chancellor admit that the cut was a gimmick? When will he come forward with proposals that would really help small businesses in my constituency and the rest of the country?
Subjects
Capital investment; Roads
Date
12 February 2009
Reference
487 c1511-2;487 c1509-10
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
We have many useful and productive discussions about those matters and we happily find ourselves in complete agreement.
My hon. Friend knows that, five or six years ago, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister commissioned a report on what was required for the A1 north of Newcastle and up to the border, on the basis of which I came to the view that there was neither an economic nor an operational case for dualling the road. It recommended improvements for safety and other reasons and work has continued on working up such schemes. I am surprised that the north-east region did not prioritise them in the recent exercise and I shall have to consider how to proceed in the light of that. Although there is no case at the moment for dualling the road all the way to the border, there is a case for making improvements, especially to deal with the safety points that my hon. Friend raised. I hope to say something further about that, probably in the late spring.
We have many useful and productive discussions about those matters and we happily find ourselves in complete agreement.
My hon. Friend knows that, five or six years ago, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister commissioned a report on what was required for the A1 north of Newcastle and up to the border, on the basis of which I came to the view that there was neither an economic nor an operational case for dualling the road. It recommended improvements for safety and other reasons and work has continued on working up such schemes. I am surprised that the north-east region did not prioritise them in the recent exercise and I shall have to consider how to proceed in the light of that. Although there is no case at the moment for dualling the road all the way to the border, there is a case for making improvements, especially to deal with the safety points that my hon. Friend raised. I hope to say something further about that, probably in the late spring.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Stephen Hepburn
(Labour)
Answering body
Scotland Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
In the past decade, one casualty a week on average has occurred on the A1 between Scotland and Newcastle. The road accidents and the road's effect on economic development cause considerable anxiety to residents both sides of the border. When will my right hon. Friend, in his role as Secretary of State for Scotland, convince himself in his role as Secretary of State for Transport for the United Kingdom that the road needs dualling once and for all?
Subjects
Roads; Scotland; Scottish Borders
Date
28 February 2006
Reference
443 c112-3
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Traffic to and from Scotland benefits from many of the improvements to the strategic road network.
Traffic to and from Scotland benefits from many of the improvements to the strategic road network.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Stephen Hepburn
(Labour)
Answering body
Scotland Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
What improvements are planned to road links between Scotland and the rest of the UK. [54023]
Subjects
Roads; Scotland; Scottish Borders
Date
28 February 2006
Reference
443 c112
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I hope that we shall be able to make an announcement about that fairly quickly, and that construction will start imminently. Both Secretaries of State will make an announcement at the appropriate time. I must point out that those improvements have been made possible only by the huge additional investment that we have promised, every single penny of which was opposed by Tory MPs, both north and south of the border.
I hope that we shall be able to make an announcement about that fairly quickly, and that construction will start imminently. Both Secretaries of State will make an announcement at the appropriate time. I must point out that those improvements have been made possible only by the huge additional investment that we have promised, every single penny of which was opposed by Tory MPs, both north and south of the border.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
David Mundell
(Conservative)
Answering body
Scotland Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
When the Secretary of State next lobbies himself, perhaps he could raise the case of the M74 between Gretna and Carlisle. Will he then let us know the exact start date for that project and give us an assurance that there will be no further delays?
Subjects
Roads; Scotland; Scottish Borders
Date
28 February 2006
Reference
443 c113
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What improvements are planned to road links between Scotland and the rest of the UK. [54023]
What improvements are planned to road links between Scotland and the rest of the UK. [54023]
Asked by
Stephen Hepburn
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Scotland Office
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 February 2006
For answer on
28 February 2006
Answered on
28 February 2006
Traffic to and from Scotland benefits from many of the improvements to the strategic road network.
Subjects
Roads; Scotland; Scottish Borders
Date
28 February 2006
Reference
54023; 443 c112
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Government's 10-year transport plan. Twelfth opposition day debate (part 2). Motion negatived on division (318 to 226). Amendment agreed on question.
Government's 10-year transport plan. Twelfth opposition day debate (part 2). Motion negatived on division (318 to 226). Amendment agreed on question.
Lead member
Lord Grayling
Answering member
Lord Darling of Roulanish
Department
Department for Transport
Type
Opposition days
Subjects
Finance; Investment; Forecasts; Public transport; Railways; Transport; Roads; Road traffic control; Tolls
Date
1 February 2006
Reference
442 c383-433
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on improving road and rail links between Scotland and England.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on improving road and rail links between Scotland and England.
Asked by
Philip Hollobone
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Scotland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 January 2006
For answer on
24 January 2006
Answered on
24 January 2006
Regular discussions are held with the Scottish Executive on a range of transport matters.
Subjects
Railways; Railway network; Scotland; Transport; Roads
Date
24 January 2006
Reference
43217; 441 c1939W
House
House of Commons
I am glad that across the board the Conservative party is repenting the sins of the past. I recall that the hon. Gentleman was a Minister in the last Conservative Government, when Government spending on rail fell dramatically until 1996. One reason why we have problems in some parts of the railways is that, as with roads, we did not spend money when we should have.
The hon. Gentleman is right to say that there have been a number of studies in respect of the east-west rail link, but even though we have doubled spending on railways since 1997, I am not convinced that that project is the right place to put our money. I believe that other areas where we need to increase capacity take priority over that scheme. If he and his colleagues are saying that we need to spend more on transport, they are absolutely right, and if they have changed their mind about the position that they have taken in the past few elections, that is very good as well.
I am glad that across the board the Conservative party is repenting the sins of the past. I recall that the hon. Gentleman was a Minister in the last Conservative Government, when Government spending on rail fell dramatically until 1996. One reason why we have problems in some parts of the railways is that, as with roads, we did not spend money when we should have.
The hon. Gentleman is right to say that there have been a number of studies in respect of the east-west rail link, but even though we have doubled spending on railways since 1997, I am not convinced that that project is the right place to put our money. I believe that other areas where we need to increase capacity take priority over that scheme. If he and his colleagues are saying that we need to spend more on transport, they are absolutely right, and if they have changed their mind about the position that they have taken in the past few elections, that is very good as well.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Tony Baldry
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
Another way to reduce pressure on the roads budget and on the roads is to invest more in railways. One way to reduce pressure on Milton Keynes would be to invest in the east-west rail link, which will eventually link Southampton and Felixstowe via Oxford, Bicester and Milton Keynes. The project has the comprehensive support of every local authority along the route and it has been the subject of more surveys and project reports than any other scheme that I can think of; all it requires is a Government funding commitment. It seems strange that Milton Keynes is expanding purely on the basis of increased road use. Can we have some sustainable communities and investment in the railways, especially the east-west rail link?
Subjects
Driving; Road traffic; Roads
Date
17 January 2006
Reference
441 c686
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Rail freight has gone up 36 per cent. over the past few years. I have said before in the House on many occasions that I do not believe that the way to encourage freight is to continually subsidise it. We want to encourage the carriage of freight that is a commercial proposition. I am surprised that a Conservative Government—Conservative Opposition, rather—[Interruption.] It is worth reminding people of the threat that there might be a Conservative Government one day. We know what happened when there was a Conservative Government—investment in roads and in railways was cut, and we know the consequences of that. As the hon. Gentleman is in such a combative mood, can he tell me what the Tories' policy is on the railways? His leader said in December:"““Britain now needs a concerted programme of road building””,"
yet the right hon. Member for Suffolk, Coastal (Mr. Gummer) said that"““there must be an assumption against road building””."
What is the Tory party policy on it?
Rail freight has gone up 36 per cent. over the past few years. I have said before in the House on many occasions that I do not believe that the way to encourage freight is to continually subsidise it. We want to encourage the carriage of freight that is a commercial proposition. I am surprised that a Conservative Government—Conservative Opposition, rather—[Interruption.] It is worth reminding people of the threat that there might be a Conservative Government one day. We know what happened when there was a Conservative Government—investment in roads and in railways was cut, and we know the consequences of that. As the hon. Gentleman is in such a combative mood, can he tell me what the Tories' policy is on the railways? His leader said in December:"““Britain now needs a concerted programme of road building””,"
yet the right hon. Member for Suffolk, Coastal (Mr. Gummer) said that"““there must be an assumption against road building””."
What is the Tory party policy on it?
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Grayling
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
So let us look at the Government's real commitments on spending. For example, in the 10-year plan and in many of the things that the Secretary of State has said since, he has talked about solving the congestion problems on our roads or at least contributing to solving those problems, by getting freight off the roads and on to the railways. Can he explain to the House why his Department has cut the funding for rail freight by nearly half in the past three years?
Subjects
Driving; Road traffic; Roads
Date
17 January 2006
Reference
441 c687
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I understand the point that the hon. Gentleman makes. We are about to receive from different parts of the country their views on priorities for transport. There will undoubtedly be roads that affect different regions, in which case the Department will have to reach a view. The Government have made additional money available for several projects in Milton Keynes. On public transport, we made about £24 million available for rebuilding the station, which will hopefully help as well. I am aware of the point that he makes about roads. There are a lot of pressures on the road budget, but there are cases in which we will have to find out what we can do to enable traffic to flow better.
I understand the point that the hon. Gentleman makes. We are about to receive from different parts of the country their views on priorities for transport. There will undoubtedly be roads that affect different regions, in which case the Department will have to reach a view. The Government have made additional money available for several projects in Milton Keynes. On public transport, we made about £24 million available for rebuilding the station, which will hopefully help as well. I am aware of the point that he makes about roads. There are a lot of pressures on the road budget, but there are cases in which we will have to find out what we can do to enable traffic to flow better.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
The M1 is due to become even more congested due to the Government's plans to build 100,000 houses between junctions 13 and 16. Is the Minister aware of the special problems with junction 13? The much-needed dualling of the A421 to get people off the M1 into Milton Keynes appears to be going nowhere because the plan falls between two regions that have given it different priorities. May I simply ask the Secretary of State to knock some heads together and arrange a meeting of the planners from the two regions to try to ensure that the much-needed project moves forward?
Subjects
Driving; Road traffic; Roads
Date
17 January 2006
Reference
441 c684
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The Department estimates that there will be about 36.4 million driving licence holders in Great Britain in 2014, compared with just over 32 million in 2004. Furthermore, 27 million cars were licensed in Great Britain in 2004 and we think that that will grow to 31.3 million by 2014.
The Department estimates that there will be about 36.4 million driving licence holders in Great Britain in 2014, compared with just over 32 million in 2004. Furthermore, 27 million cars were licensed in Great Britain in 2004 and we think that that will grow to 31.3 million by 2014.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
What assessment he has made of the number of motorists who will be using roads in England by 2014. [42344]
Subjects
Driving; Road traffic; Roads
Date
17 January 2006
Reference
441 c684
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I am aware that the region attaches considerable importance to the Hindhead tunnel. I am also aware of considerable concern about the cost increase. Ministers will examine the matter in the fairly near future.
I am aware that the region attaches considerable importance to the Hindhead tunnel. I am also aware of considerable concern about the cost increase. Ministers will examine the matter in the fairly near future.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
Before 2014, the Olympics will of course come to London, which will bring an enormous number of visitors and lead to additional traffic on the roads of this country. My constituency hopes to take advantage of the boost to tourism, but I am worried that visitors who wish to drive to Portsmouth will be deterred by the bottleneck at Hindhead. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me and the South East England regional assembly that the Hindhead tunnel is the top transport priority for the south-east region?
Subjects
Driving; Road traffic; Roads
Date
17 January 2006
Reference
441 c685
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
In relation to the hon. Gentleman's first point, I have been very careful in the past four years not to lay all the problems of underfunding in transport on the Conservative Government. [Interruption.] True, they were in power for 18 years and one might have thought that something would be done during that period, but unfortunately the underinvestment goes back through successive Governments right back to the 1960s. The point that I was making to the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) was that in 1992, Government support for the railways was about £2 billion, but by 1995–96 it had plummeted to £431 million. It is not surprising, therefore, that in the years that followed there were severe difficulties in relation to the railway because of a backlog of maintenance and investment. Money is essential, not just on the railways but elsewhere.
In relation to the 10-year plan, the Government set out a spending programme for 10 years—one that was renewed and increased in the spending review in 2004. There is a key question that the hon. Gentleman must consider—I do not expect him to answer it today, but at some point he will have to tell us. It is all very well to say that his approach is changing and that he now understands that investment is necessary, but is he able to come up with the money to do so? He must know that his leader is committed to spending less on public expenditure than we are.
In relation to the hon. Gentleman's first point, I have been very careful in the past four years not to lay all the problems of underfunding in transport on the Conservative Government. [Interruption.] True, they were in power for 18 years and one might have thought that something would be done during that period, but unfortunately the underinvestment goes back through successive Governments right back to the 1960s. The point that I was making to the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) was that in 1992, Government support for the railways was about £2 billion, but by 1995–96 it had plummeted to £431 million. It is not surprising, therefore, that in the years that followed there were severe difficulties in relation to the railway because of a backlog of maintenance and investment. Money is essential, not just on the railways but elsewhere.
In relation to the 10-year plan, the Government set out a spending programme for 10 years—one that was renewed and increased in the spending review in 2004. There is a key question that the hon. Gentleman must consider—I do not expect him to answer it today, but at some point he will have to tell us. It is all very well to say that his approach is changing and that he now understands that investment is necessary, but is he able to come up with the money to do so? He must know that his leader is committed to spending less on public expenditure than we are.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Grayling
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
It is all well and good for the Secretary of State to continue to blame the last Conservative Government for all the problems with our transport system. His Government have been in power for nearly 10 years now. Does he remember that five years ago the Government published a detailed strategy on transport and how all the problems would be solved during the current decade? It was called the 10-year plan for transport. Can he tell the House why so many of the commitments and promises made in that document have been abandoned?
Subjects
Driving; Road traffic; Roads
Date
17 January 2006
Reference
441 c686-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government's aim is to continue to spend increasing sums in parts of the country where road improvements are necessary. The money for projects that will be needed for the Olympics has already been allocated, so that has no bearing on decisions relating to Hindhead or any other area.
The hon. Gentleman and the House will accept that, as I have said before, our problem in relation to roads generally is that we have not spent as much as we should have over the years. Looking at the figures earlier today, I noticed that in 1990 the then Government had 500 schemes in their roads programme; by 1997, the number was down to 150 because of spending cuts. We have been able to increase the amount of money available and a number of projects are now possible, but inevitably it will take time to put in place all the projects that we want.
I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government's aim is to continue to spend increasing sums in parts of the country where road improvements are necessary. The money for projects that will be needed for the Olympics has already been allocated, so that has no bearing on decisions relating to Hindhead or any other area.
The hon. Gentleman and the House will accept that, as I have said before, our problem in relation to roads generally is that we have not spent as much as we should have over the years. Looking at the figures earlier today, I noticed that in 1990 the then Government had 500 schemes in their roads programme; by 1997, the number was down to 150 because of spending cuts. We have been able to increase the amount of money available and a number of projects are now possible, but inevitably it will take time to put in place all the projects that we want.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Peter Viggers
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
I echo the concern expressed by the hon. Member for Portsmouth, North (Sarah McCarthy-Fry). There is concern in Hampshire and other parts of the south of England that major road projects are, in effect, parked on the hard shoulder while priority is given to infrastructure projects relating to the Olympic games. Will the Secretary of State give an assurance that projects such as the tunnelling of the A3 at Hindhead will continue to have priority?
Subjects
Driving; Road traffic; Roads
Date
17 January 2006
Reference
441 c685
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
When tackling problems of congestion in Bristol or any other city it is important to achieve the right mix of adequate public transport, including affordable bus services, and appropriate measures to restrict traffic growth. That is especially important in a city such as Bristol, which I visited just before Christmas and which is already quite severely congested. I welcome my hon. Friend's remark about road pricing. I agree that we need a sensible building programme—additional capacity is needed in some places—but we must be mindful of our environmental obligations. The key is to balance the two, which is not always easy, but I believe that it can be done.
When tackling problems of congestion in Bristol or any other city it is important to achieve the right mix of adequate public transport, including affordable bus services, and appropriate measures to restrict traffic growth. That is especially important in a city such as Bristol, which I visited just before Christmas and which is already quite severely congested. I welcome my hon. Friend's remark about road pricing. I agree that we need a sensible building programme—additional capacity is needed in some places—but we must be mindful of our environmental obligations. The key is to balance the two, which is not always easy, but I believe that it can be done.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Kerry McCarthy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
I welcome the Secretary of State's decision to consider road pricing as a way of tackling the problems of congestion on our roads, rather than building more roads. I also welcome last year's decision to include Bristol in one of the feasibility studies, but does he accept that our efforts to get motorists out of their cars and on to public transport will fail in the face of the situation in my constituency, where First Group, which runs the buses, has increased fares three times in the past year, most recently by up to 22 per cent.? Will he respond to that?
Subjects
Driving; Road traffic; Roads
Date
17 January 2006
Reference
441 c685-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What assessment he has made of the number of motorists who will be using roads in England by 2014. [42344]
What assessment he has made of the number of motorists who will be using roads in England by 2014. [42344]
Asked by
Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 January 2006
For answer on
17 January 2006
Answered on
17 January 2006
The Department estimates that there will be about 36.4 million driving licence holders in Great Britain in 2014, compared with just over 32 million in 2004. Furthermore, 27 million cars were licensed in Great Britain in 2004 and we think that that will grow to 31.3 million by 2014.
Subjects
Driving; Road traffic; Roads
Date
17 January 2006
Reference
441 c684; 42344
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates his Department has made of the cost of road wear by foreign lorries operating in England; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates his Department has made of the cost of road wear by foreign lorries operating in England; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Alan Duncan
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 November 2005
For answer on
11 November 2005
Answered on
11 November 2005
The Department has not made an estimate of this cost in recent years.
Subjects
Costs; Large goods vehicles; Roads; Repairs and maintenance
Date
11 November 2005
Reference
439 c782W;439 c782W; 27524
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which local authorities underspent on their road maintenance budgets in the last financial year; and by how much in each case.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which local authorities underspent on their road maintenance budgets in the last financial year; and by how much in each case.
Asked by
Alan Duncan
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 June 2005
For answer on
23 June 2005
Answered on
23 June 2005
Information on local authorities' spending on road maintenance in 2004–05 will not be available until early next year.
Subjects
Expenditure; Local government; Roads; Repairs and maintenance; Road works
Date
23 June 2005
Reference
435 c1129W;435 c1133W; 7114
House
House of Commons
There is about one month until the next Transport questions, which is ample time for the right hon. Gentleman to provide one example of a camera that has been set up to raise money rather than to save lives. As I have said before, the best road safety camera is one that does not raise a single penny. They are there to save lives and for no other reason. The decision to place the cameras on the M4 in Wiltshire was taken by the local partnership—the police and the local council. Before the speed cameras were imposed, 53 per cent. of cars were seen to be exceeding the speed limit. A month later, that figure is down to 25 per cent., which suggests that cameras have an effect in persuading drivers to keep to the speed limit.
On the general point about raising speed limits, I am not persuaded of that, contrary to press reports at the weekend. The evidence from the police is that although the speed limit on motorways is 70 mph, many people drive 10 mph faster. If the limit were raised to 80 mph, people might drive faster still.
When we debate such issues, we should remember that 10 people are killed on our roads every day. If that happened in a single railway accident, there would be demands for a statement in the House and for lines to be closed. Ten families today will lose someone, so we should do everything reasonable to try to improve road safety. We have a good record in this country, but sometimes unthinking comments—such as those just made uncharacteristically by the right hon. Gentleman—are unjustified. I look forward to hearing from him in a month's time about which camera he had in mind.
There is about one month until the next Transport questions, which is ample time for the right hon. Gentleman to provide one example of a camera that has been set up to raise money rather than to save lives. As I have said before, the best road safety camera is one that does not raise a single penny. They are there to save lives and for no other reason. The decision to place the cameras on the M4 in Wiltshire was taken by the local partnership—the police and the local council. Before the speed cameras were imposed, 53 per cent. of cars were seen to be exceeding the speed limit. A month later, that figure is down to 25 per cent., which suggests that cameras have an effect in persuading drivers to keep to the speed limit.
On the general point about raising speed limits, I am not persuaded of that, contrary to press reports at the weekend. The evidence from the police is that although the speed limit on motorways is 70 mph, many people drive 10 mph faster. If the limit were raised to 80 mph, people might drive faster still.
When we debate such issues, we should remember that 10 people are killed on our roads every day. If that happened in a single railway accident, there would be demands for a statement in the House and for lines to be closed. Ten families today will lose someone, so we should do everything reasonable to try to improve road safety. We have a good record in this country, but sometimes unthinking comments—such as those just made uncharacteristically by the right hon. Gentleman—are unjustified. I look forward to hearing from him in a month's time about which camera he had in mind.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Greg Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does the Secretary of State not realise that the public would have more respect for him and what he has to say if he came clean on this issue and admitted that the prime duty of many speed cameras is to raise revenue from the long-suffering British motorist? If he will not admit that, will he tell us why speed cameras are now appearing on our motorways, which are the safest roads in Britain? Why are speed cameras being installed on the M4, for example? Is not the only answer to the growing public disquiet on this issue for him to announce a full audit of all speed cameras, coupled with a review of speed limits, to restore a sense of justice and fairness to the enforcement of our road traffic laws?
Subjects
Cameras; Roads; Speed limits
Date
24 May 2005
Reference
434 c543
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The Department receives many representations about safety cameras, including some about the criteria for camera sites, and of course we review all aspects of the safety camera programme every year.
The Department receives many representations about safety cameras, including some about the criteria for camera sites, and of course we review all aspects of the safety camera programme every year.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Cameras; Roads; Speed limits
Date
24 May 2005
Reference
434 c541-2
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
In respect of the hon. Gentleman's final point, the law states that where there is a 30 mph speed limit, people must drive at 30 mph or less. It is important to remember that all the evidence shows that speed cameras have led to a substantial reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured. I repeat what I said in the previous Parliament: if the hon. Gentleman believes that there is any doubt about the appropriateness of a speed camera site, in Essex or anywhere else, I shall look into it. However, the House will recall that we commissioned an independent study just over a year ago. It looked at the siting of every single camera and found that there had been a reduction of something like 40 per cent. in the number of people killed or seriously injured. That proves that the cameras save lives. The hon. Gentleman and the rest of the House should bear it in mind that drivers are supposed to stick to the speed limits that have been imposed. Therefore, they should not be forced by the fact that they are driving too fast to put on their brakes in the sudden way that he described.
In respect of the hon. Gentleman's final point, the law states that where there is a 30 mph speed limit, people must drive at 30 mph or less. It is important to remember that all the evidence shows that speed cameras have led to a substantial reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured. I repeat what I said in the previous Parliament: if the hon. Gentleman believes that there is any doubt about the appropriateness of a speed camera site, in Essex or anywhere else, I shall look into it. However, the House will recall that we commissioned an independent study just over a year ago. It looked at the siting of every single camera and found that there had been a reduction of something like 40 per cent. in the number of people killed or seriously injured. That proves that the cameras save lives. The hon. Gentleman and the rest of the House should bear it in mind that drivers are supposed to stick to the speed limits that have been imposed. Therefore, they should not be forced by the fact that they are driving too fast to put on their brakes in the sudden way that he described.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
David Amess
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
Essex collects more money than anywhere else in the country in fines resulting from speed cameras, and my constituents feel a growing sense of injustice. Some of them have been criminalised for doing 33 mph or 44 mph, while a public servant can get away with driving on a public road at 159 mph. What work has the Secretary of State commissioned to determine the number of accidents caused by people slamming on their brakes when they see a yellow camera? How much of the money collected from those fines—
Subjects
Cameras; Roads; Speed limits
Date
24 May 2005
Reference
434 c542
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I do understand that people caught by speed cameras feel frustrated and sometimes irritated. However, people like the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Amess), who believe that speed cameras should not be used or are not effective, must bear it in mind that there are families up and down the country with members still alive who might otherwise have been killed because of speeding drivers. Speed is one element of road safety.
I strongly believe that cameras should only be placed where justified. In fact, several cameras have been removed from places where they are no longer justified. However, the blanket, and sometimes unthinking, opposition to speed cameras is unjustified. Opposition Members might want to reflect on the fact that we get as many representations from Conservative councils to have speed cameras as we do to have them removed.
I do understand that people caught by speed cameras feel frustrated and sometimes irritated. However, people like the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Amess), who believe that speed cameras should not be used or are not effective, must bear it in mind that there are families up and down the country with members still alive who might otherwise have been killed because of speeding drivers. Speed is one element of road safety.
I strongly believe that cameras should only be placed where justified. In fact, several cameras have been removed from places where they are no longer justified. However, the blanket, and sometimes unthinking, opposition to speed cameras is unjustified. Opposition Members might want to reflect on the fact that we get as many representations from Conservative councils to have speed cameras as we do to have them removed.
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
David Kidney
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
My right hon. Friend spent good money on last year's independent report, which proved that there have been substantial reductions in the number of casualties suffered on those stretches of road covered by speed cameras. Is he not dismayed, therefore, that there remains an unreconstructed minority who will not accept that fact? Speed cameras are a road safety measure with proven benefits in terms of reducing the number of casualties, and no driver who keeps within the speed limit ever has to pay a fine.
Subjects
Cameras; Roads; Speed limits
Date
24 May 2005
Reference
434 c542-3
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What representations he has received about the criteria for installing speed cameras.
What representations he has received about the criteria for installing speed cameras.
Asked by
David Amess
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 May 2005
For answer on
24 May 2005
Answered on
24 May 2005
The Department receives many representations about safety cameras, including some about the criteria for camera sites, and of course we review all aspects of the safety camera programme every year.
Subjects
Cameras; Roads; Speed limits
Date
24 May 2005
Reference
434 c541-2; 422
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of whether the 29th March deadline for the introduction of the Working Time Directive regulations applicable to road haulage operators will be met.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of whether the 29th March deadline for the introduction of the Working Time Directive regulations applicable to road haulage operators will be met.
Asked by
Tim Yeo
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 February 2005
For answer on
14 March 2005
Answered on
14 March 2005
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of whether the 29 March deadline for the
introduction of the Working Time Directive regulations applicable to road haulage operators will be met. [218634]
Mr. Darling: I have laid the implementing regulations for this directive before Parliament today.
Subjects
EU law; Freight; Large goods vehicle drivers; Working hours; Roads
Date
14 March 2005
Reference
432 c4W; 218634
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average cost is of building one mile of new (a) motorway, (b) dual carriageway and (c) conventional two lane road. (Further information on 08.03.2005 at 431 c1632-3W)
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average cost is of building one mile of new (a) motorway, (b) dual carriageway and (c) conventional two lane road. (Further information on 08.03.2005 at 431 c1632-3W)
Asked by
Tim Yeo
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 2005
For answer on
8 March 2005
Answered on
8 March 2005
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average cost is of building one mile of new (a) motorway,
(b) dual carriageway and (c) conventional two lane road. [220641]
Mr. Darling: The average cost of building one mile of new (a) motorway is £24 million per mile, (b) dual lane
carriageway is £13 million per mile, (c) conventional two lane road is £8 million per mile.
In considering the cost of a new road there are many variables, including the difference between urban or rural areas, a new route
or an improvement of an existing network. These can result in significant differences in the cost for a similar standard. Factors
such as quality of land, site geology, drainage, environmental mitigation, traffic management or restricted access can also have a
large impact on cost.
The averages costs quoted above are taken from roads constructed by the Highways Agency and include elements for structures, land,
compensation, design and site supervision, but not future inflation.
Subjects
Costs; Construction; Motorways; Roads; Dual carriageways
Date
8 March 2005
Reference
431 c1632-3W;431 c1628-9W; 220641
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister about the implications for plans to build new roads of the proposed housing developments in the South East.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister about the implications for plans to build new roads of the proposed housing developments in the South East.
Asked by
Teddy Taylor
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 2005
For answer on
8 March 2005
Answered on
8 March 2005
Subjects
Construction; Housing; Roads; Southend on Sea; South East
Date
8 March 2005
Reference
431 c1384-5; 220416
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Teddy Taylor
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister about the implications for plans to build new roads of the proposed housing developments in the South East.
Subjects
Construction; Housing; Roads; Southend on Sea; South East
Date
8 March 2005
Reference
431 c1384-5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Construction; Housing; Roads; Southend on Sea; South East
Date
8 March 2005
Reference
431 c1384-5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what major transport projects have been approved in the last year, broken down by parliamentary constituency. - Inc tables.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what major transport projects have been approved in the last year, broken down by parliamentary constituency. - Inc tables.
Asked by
Tim Yeo
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
7 February 2005
For answer on
7 March 2005
Answered on
7 March 2005
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what major transport projects have been approved in the last year, broken down
by parliamentary constituency. [215839]
Mr. Darling: The major local authority schemes (outside London) listed in Table 1 were approved fully during the course of 2004:
Table 1: Full approval
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Scheme Constituency
Rugeley Eastern Bypass Cannock Chase
A167 Chilton Bypass Sedgefield
A158 Partney Bypass Louth and Horncastle
Cradley Heath Town Centre Strategy Halesowen and Rowley Regis
Sunderland Southern Radial Route Sunderland S
Barnstaple Western Bypass North Devon
South Lowestoft Relief Road Waveney
A429 Barford Bypass Warwick and Leamington
Stoke Hammond and Linslade Bypass, Bucks Buckingham
South West Bedfordshire
Northfield Regeneration Route, Birmingham Birmingham Northfield
West Midlands Red Route Wolverhampton North East
Wolverhampton South West
Wolverhampton South East
Walshall North
Aldridge-Brownhills
Walshall South
Dudley North
West Bromwich West/ East
Birmingham Perry Barr
Birmingham Erdington
Sutton Coldfield
Dudley South
Stourbridge
Halesowen and Rowley Regis
Warley
Birmingham Edgbaston
Birmingham Ladywood
Birmingham Hodge Hill
Birmingham Yardley
Birmingham Sparkbrook and Small Heath
Birmingham Northfield
Birmingham Selly Oak
Birmingham Hall Green
Solihull
Meriden
North West Taunton Taunton
Primelines (Coventry quality bus network) Coventry North West
Coventry South
Coventry North East
Wolverhampton Centre access Interchange Wolverhampton North East
Wolverhampton South West
Wolverhampton South East
Derby Inner Ring Road Maintenance Derby North
Derby South
Plymouth A386 Northern Corridor Improvements, Park and Ride Plymouth Sutton
Plymouth Devonport
Salisbury Integrated Transport Package Salisbury
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
The major local authority schemes (outside London) listed in Table 2 were provisionally approved during the course of 2004. These
schemes are approved with conditions, the main ones being that costs do not increase, statutory and consultative procedures are
completed satisfactorily and their designs and appraisal do not change significantly.
Table 2: Provisional Approval
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Edge Lane West, Liverpool Liverpool Wavertree
Liverpool West Derby
Bexhill To Hastings Link Road Hastings and Rye
Bexhill and Battle
Sittingbourne Northern Developer Route Sittingbourne and Sheppey
Watford Junction Watford
Castle ford Interchange Pontefract and Castleford
Copnor Bridge, Portsmouth Portsmouth South
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
The schemes listed in Table 3 were added to the Highway Agency's targeted programme of improvements during 2004.
Table 3
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
A27 Southerham to Beddingham Eastbourne
Improvement Lewes
M1 J21-30 Loughborough
Blaby
North West Leicestershire
Bosworth
Bolsover
Broxtowe
Ashfield
Nottingham North
North East Derbyshire
Erewash
Sherwood
Leicester West
Chesterfield
Charnwood
M25 J1b-3 Widening Dartford
Orpington
Bexleyheath and Crayford
M25 J5-7 Widening Sevenoaks
East Surrey
M25 J16-23 Widening Hertsmere
St. Albans
Uxbridge
South West Hertfordshire
Ruislip
Northwood
M25 J23-27 Widening Enfield North
Epping Forest
Broxbourne
Welwyn Hatfield
Hemel Hemstead
M25 J27-30 Widening Thurrock
Romford
Hornchurch
Chipping Barnet
Chingford and Woodford Green
A21 Kippings Cross to Lamberhurst Bexhill and Battle
Bypass Hastings and Rye
Tunbridge Wells
A23 Handcross to Warninglid Crawley
Widening Horsham
Mid Sussex
A453 Widening (M1 J24 to A52 North West Leicestershire
Nottingham) Rushcliffe
Nottingham South
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Decisions on road projects in London have been devolved to the London Mayor.
Subjects
Constituencies; Construction; Transport; Roads
Date
7 March 2005
Reference
431 c1494-7W;431 c1488-91W; 215839
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on negotiations between the Highways Agency and Balfour Beatty on the future of the A3 Hindhead Road Tunnel.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on negotiations between the Highways Agency and Balfour Beatty on the future of the A3 Hindhead Road Tunnel.
Asked by
Tim Yeo
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 January 2005
For answer on
25 January 2005
Answered on
25 January 2005
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on negotiations between the Highways Agency and
Balfour Beatty on the future of the A3 Hindhead Road Tunnel. [208758]
Mr. Darling: There have been no formal negotiations between the Highways Agency and Balfour Beatty on the future of the A3 Hindhead
Road Tunnel. However, discussions have started on the programming and delivery of the scheme, following the outcome of the 2004
Spending Review announcement.
Subjects
Construction; Highways Agency; Roads; Tunnels; A3; Balfour Beatty; Hindhead
Date
25 January 2005
Reference
208758; 430 c257W
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Peter L Pike
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many local authorities and road safety partnerships run speed awareness courses.
Subjects
Education; Sentencing; Safety; Roads; Speed limits; Road traffic offences
Date
21 December 2004
Reference
428 c2056-7;428 c2054-5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Education; Sentencing; Safety; Roads; Speed limits; Road traffic offences
Date
21 December 2004
Reference
428 c2056-7;428 c2054-5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many local authorities and road safety partnerships run speed awareness courses.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many local authorities and road safety partnerships run speed awareness courses.
Asked by
Peter L Pike
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 December 2004
For answer on
21 December 2004
Answered on
21 December 2004
Subjects
Education; Sentencing; Safety; Roads; Speed limits; Road traffic offences
Date
21 December 2004
Reference
428 c2056-7;428 c2054-5; 206095
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what negotiations have taken place between his Department and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise about lorry road user charging; and what the outcome was of those discussions.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what negotiations have taken place between his Department and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise about lorry road user charging; and what the outcome was of those discussions.
Asked by
Tim Yeo
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 October 2004
For answer on
18 October 2004
Answered on
18 October 2004
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what negotiations have taken place between his Department and Her Majesty's
Customs and Excise about lorry road user charging; and what the outcome was of those discussions. [191489]
Mr. Darling: The 2004 Finance Act laid the formal responsibility for implementing the proposed Lorry Road User Charge on HM Customs
and Excise. My Department has worked very closely with HM Customs and Excise and HM Treasury to develop both policy and proposals
for procuring and implementing the charge, and will continue to do so.
Subjects
Fees and charges; Large goods vehicles; Roads; Taxation; Tolls
Date
18 October 2004
Reference
425 c437W; 191489
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) budget and (b) staffing figures for the Highways Agency has been in each year since 1997; and how many new Highways Agency roads were constructed in each of those years. - Inc ref to Annual Reports and Accounts for...
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) budget and (b) staffing figures for the Highways Agency has been in each year since 1997; and how many new Highways Agency roads were constructed in each of those years. - Inc ref to Annual Reports and Accounts for...
Asked by
Tim Yeo
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 October 2004
For answer on
11 October 2004
Answered on
11 October 2004
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the (a) budget and (b) staffing figures for the Highways
Agency has been in each year since 1997; and how many new Highways Agency roads were constructed in each of those years. [190174]
Mr. Darling: The financial resources allocated to, and consumed by, the Highways Agency in each year since 1997 are identified in
the agency's published annual Business Plans for the years 1996-97 to 2004-05 and Annual Reports and Accounts for the years 1996-97
to 2002-03. Staffing figures are also identified in those publications, as are details of progress on the agency's major road
construction and improvement schemes.
Subjects
Construction; Finance; Highways Agency; Staff; Roads
Date
11 October 2004
Reference
425 c2W; 190174
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many of the (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries on roads were attributable to speed in the last year for which figures are available. - Including figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many of the (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries on roads were attributable to speed in the last year for which figures are available. - Including figures.
Asked by
Tim Yeo
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 July 2004
For answer on
13 September 2004
Answered on
13 September 2004
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many of the (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries on roads were
attributable to speed in the last year for which figures are available. [186763]
Mr. Darling: Routine statistics do not record the primary cause of a road accident. However, under a pilot scheme, 15 police forces
in Great Britain have provided information on contributory factors to accidents since 1999. In 2003 this information was available
for about a third of all reported injury accidents in Great Britain. Among these, 30 per cent. of fatalities and
20 per cent. of serious casualties were in accidents where `excessive speed' was a factor.
If the results from the pilot scheme were representative of the whole country, it would mean that over 1,000 deaths and about 6,600
serious injuries in Great Britain in 2003 were sustained in accidents where `excessive speed' was a contributory factor.
The contributory factor data are based on the opinions of police officers. In the case of accidents reported by a member of the
public at a police station, these factors have to be determined from their description of the accident.
The true extent of the influence of speed as a contributory factor in road traffic accidents may be greater than suggested by the
single factor `excessive speed', as some other factors--such as `following too close'--may also be associated with inappropriate
speed. My Department is undertaking further analysis of the pilot contributory factor data and will publish an article later in the
year.
Starting in January 2005 this pilot scheme will be replaced by a new set of questions on contributory factors, which will
henceforward .form an integral part of the road accident reporting system and will be collected by all police forces for accidents
reported at scene by a police officer.
Subjects
Death; Accidents; Injuries; Roads; Speed limits
Date
13 September 2004
Reference
424 c1388W;424 c1396W; 186763
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many road maintenance schemes requiring completion are outstanding; and when he expects they will be completed.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many road maintenance schemes requiring completion are outstanding; and when he expects they will be completed.
Asked by
Tim Yeo
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 July 2004
For answer on
8 September 2004
Answered on
8 September 2004
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road maintenance schemes requiring completion are outstanding; and
when he expects they will be completed. [186734]
Mr. Darling: Road maintenance is an ongoing activity for highway authorities, with new schemes starting or completing on time. The
Department does not keep central records of what works are planned or are in progress other than for the Highways Agency. Other
maintenance is a matter for individual highway authorities.
Subjects
Roads; Repairs and maintenance
Date
8 September 2004
Reference
424 c1246W;424 c1254W; 186734
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much has been spent in each year since 1997 installing speed humps on roads.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much has been spent in each year since 1997 installing speed humps on roads.
Asked by
Tim Yeo
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 July 2004
For answer on
7 September 2004
Answered on
7 September 2004
Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been spent in each year since 1997 installing speed humps on
roads. [186761]
Mr. Darling: The installation of speed humps is a matter for individual Highway Authorities. As such this information is not held
centrally.
Local authorities are solely responsible for the implementation of all traffic calming schemes, including the installation of road
humps.
Funding is allocated via the Single Capital Pot based on the Road Safety Strategy contained within their Local Transport Plans.
Subjects
Finance; Safety; Roads; Road traffic control; Road humps
Date
7 September 2004
Reference
424 c1120W;424 c1130W; 186761
House
House of Commons
Transport. Tenth opposition day debate (part 2). Motion negatived on division (281 to 177). Amendment agreed on question.
Transport. Tenth opposition day debate (part 2). Motion negatived on division (281 to 177). Amendment agreed on question.
Lead member
Tim Yeo
Answering member
Lord Darling of Roulanish
Department
Department for Transport
Type
Opposition days
Subjects
Bus services; Aviation; Construction; Air pollution; Cameras; Excise duties; Freight; Fuels; Ports; Public transport; Railways; Petrol; Transport; Road traffic; Roads; Road traffic control; Speed limits
Date
15 June 2004
Reference
422 c651-701
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on providing rail and road links to ports.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on providing rail and road links to ports.
Asked by
Gwyneth Dunwoody
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 May 2004
For answer on
24 May 2004
Answered on
24 May 2004
Mrs. Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on providing rail and road links to ports. [175093]
Mr. Darling: We recognise the importance of good road and rail connections to ports and further improving access to them is an
important objective of our 10-Year Transport Plan as well as being a significant issue for the regional planning process. Access to
ports featured in several of the recent multi-modal studies and a number of the transport projects now being taken forward as a
result of these studies will benefit ports related as well as domestic traffic.
Subjects
Ports; Railways; Roads
Date
24 May 2004
Reference
175093; 421 c1303W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the percentage change in (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries on the roads of Manchester, Gorton has been since 1997. - Including figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the percentage change in (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries on the roads of Manchester, Gorton has been since 1997. - Including figures.
Asked by
Gerald Kaufman
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 April 2004
For answer on
29 April 2004
Answered on
29 April 2004
Mr. Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the percentage change in (a) deaths and (b) serious
injuries on the roads of Manchester, Gorton has been since 1997. [167306]
Mr. Darling: The available information relates to local authority areas. For the Manchester metropolitan district (which includes
the constituency of Manchester, Gorton) the number of deaths in road accidents fell by 53 per cent. from 32 in 1997 to 15 in
2002, the latest year for which information is available. The number of serious injuries rose by 3 per cent., from 244 in
1997 to 252 in 2002. Estimates on the basis of parliamentary constituencies will become available in the summer and I shall write to
my right hon. Friend with figures for Manchester, Gorton and place a copy of my letter in the Libraries of the House.
Subjects
Death; Accidents; Injuries; Greater Manchester; Roads
Date
29 April 2004
Reference
420 c1170W; 167306
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what percentage of the trunk road network has been (a) re-surfaced and (b) re-surfaced with lower noise surfacing in each of the last three years. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what percentage of the trunk road network has been (a) re-surfaced and (b) re-surfaced with lower noise surfacing in each of the last three years. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Baroness May of Maidenhead
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 February 2004
For answer on
25 February 2004
Answered on
25 February 2004
Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of the trunk road network has been (a) re-surfaced and
(b) re-surfaced with lower noise surfacing in each of the last three years. [155070]
Mr. Darling: Government policy is to encourage the implementation of technologies that reduce the noise arising from road traffic
wherever these are cost effective and do not have adverse consequences on safety. Categorisation of sites for low noise surfacing is
primarily based on maintenance need. In addition, we have criteria for categorisation for noise reduction of roads with concrete
surfaces. We announced these criteria on 17 October 2001; they are: 1. that wherever possible the application of quieter
surfaces will fit in with normal maintenance needs; 2. that priority will be given to those sites where treatment would benefit the
greatest number of people; 3. that the works will be carried out in such a way as to minimise disruption to general public and users
of the network; 4. that priority will be given to roads, opened since June 1988, where actual noise levels have turned out to be
significantly higher than predicted at the time of Public Inquiry.
Priority is given to road surfaces that are deteriorating and to locations where road safety is an issue. Where the resurfacing is
specifically for noise reduction purposes priority will be given to those cases in which the actual noise levels exceed those
predicted by at least three decibels, or where more than 100 properties per kilometre are affected by excess noise.
During 2000-01 4.3 per cent. of the Highways Agency's core network was resurfaced including 3.5 per cent. with quieter
surfacing. During 2001-02 the figures were 4.2 per cent. and 3.8 per cent. respectively, and in 2002-03 5.5 per
cent. and 5.0 per cent. respectively. In the current year, 2003-04, the Highways Agency estimate these figures will be
5.0 per cent. and 4.6 per cent. respectively.
Subjects
Pollution control; Noise; Roads; Repairs and maintenance
Date
25 February 2004
Reference
418 c400W;418 c420W; 155070
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he will set a date for the re-surfacing of the A404 Marlow by-pass; whether the A404 Marlow by-pass meets the criteria for remedial action on environmental grounds to reduce noise pollution.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he will set a date for the re-surfacing of the A404 Marlow by-pass; whether the A404 Marlow by-pass meets the criteria for remedial action on environmental grounds to reduce noise pollution.
Asked by
Baroness May of Maidenhead
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 February 2004
For answer on
24 February 2004
Answered on
24 February 2004
Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he will set a date for the resurfacing of the A404 Marlow by-pass;
[155068]
(2) whether the A404 Marlow by-pass meets the criteria for remedial action on environmental grounds to reduce noise pollution.
[155069]
Mr. Darling: The A404 Marlow Bypass is currently in a satisfactory condition as far as safety is concerned and is not expected to
require resurfacing within the next few years. As a result, no date has yet been set.
However, I can confirm that the A404 Marlow Bypass meets the criteria announced on 22 March 1999 for consideration for
remedial action on environmental grounds to reduce noise pollution.
Subjects
Pollution; Noise; Roads; Repairs and maintenance; A404
Date
24 February 2004
Reference
418 c339W;418 c355W; 155068;155069
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what budget was set for noise mitigation measures on roads in each financial year since 2001-02; and what percentage of this budget was used for noise mitigation measures in each year, including 2003-04 to date. - Including figure.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what budget was set for noise mitigation measures on roads in each financial year since 2001-02; and what percentage of this budget was used for noise mitigation measures in each year, including 2003-04 to date. - Including figure.
Asked by
Baroness May of Maidenhead
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 February 2004
For answer on
23 February 2004
Answered on
23 February 2004
Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what budget was set for noise mitigation measures on roads in each financial
year since 2001-02; and what percentage of this budget was used for noise mitigation measures in each year, including 2003-04 to
date. [155102]
Mr. Darling: A budget of £5 million was set for noise mitigation measures on roads for 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04.
100 per cent. of the budget was used for noise mitigation purposes in 2001-02 and 2002-03 and we estimate that 100 per
cent. of the budget will be used for noise mitigation purposes in 2003-04.
Subjects
Finance; Pollution control; Noise; Roads; Repairs and maintenance
Date
23 February 2004
Reference
418 c52W; 155102
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive about the road haulage industry in Scotland. (Failed OPQ) - I have regular discussions with Scottish Ministers on a wide range of issues affecting Scotland, including transport.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive about the road haulage industry in Scotland. (Failed OPQ) - I have regular discussions with Scottish Ministers on a wide range of issues affecting Scotland, including transport.
Asked by
Jim Sheridan
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Scotland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 September 2003
For answer on
9 September 2003
Answered on
9 September 2003
Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive about the
road haulage industry in Scotland. [128452]
Mr. Darling: I have regular discussions with Scottish Ministers on a wide range of issues affecting Scotland, including
transport.
Subjects
Industry; Freight; Large goods vehicles; Scotland; Roads
Date
9 September 2003
Reference
128452; 410 c330W;410 c371W
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Asked by
Michael Fabricant
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, What studies he is making on future road charging policy; and if he will make a statement.
Subjects
Motorways; Roads; Tolls; M6
Date
15 July 2003
Reference
409 c145-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, What studies he is making on future road charging policy; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, What studies he is making on future road charging policy; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Michael Fabricant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 July 2003
For answer on
15 July 2003
Answered on
15 July 2003
Subjects
Motorways; Roads; Tolls; M6
Date
15 July 2003
Reference
409 c145-6; 125444
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Motorways; Roads; Tolls; M6
Date
15 July 2003
Reference
409 c145-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Road and Rail Transport. Twelfth opposition day debate (part 1). Main question negatived on division (382 to 151). Amendment agreed on question.
Road and Rail Transport. Twelfth opposition day debate (part 1). Main question negatived on division (382 to 151). Amendment agreed on question.
Lead member
Tim Collins
Answering member
Lord Darling of Roulanish
Department
Department for Transport
Type
Opposition days
Subjects
Fares; Finance; Franchises; Public transport; Railways; Network Rail; Standards; Transport; Roads; Repairs and maintenance; Rolling stock
Date
2 July 2003
Reference
408 c387-445
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects construction work to begin on the planned dualling of the A46 Fosse Way between Widmerpool and Newark-on-Trent; when he expects construction work to commence on the planned dualling of the A453 trunk road between Keyworth and Clifton in Nottinghamshire....
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects construction work to begin on the planned dualling of the A46 Fosse Way between Widmerpool and Newark-on-Trent; when he expects construction work to commence on the planned dualling of the A453 trunk road between Keyworth and Clifton in Nottinghamshire....
Asked by
Lord Clarke of Nottingham
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Darling of Roulanish
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 June 2003
For answer on
18 June 2003
Answered on
18 June 2003
Mr. Kenneth Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects construction work to begin on the planned
dualling of the A46 Fosse Way between Widmerpool and Newark-on-Trent; [119171]
(2) when he expects construction work to commence on the planned dualling of the A453 trunk road between Kegworth and Clifton in
Nottinghamshire. [119172] I
Mr. Darling :[holding answer 13 June 2003]: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the
right hon. Member. Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Kenneth Clarke, dated 18 June 2003:
I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Transport to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the start dates for
construction work on the proposed dualling schemes on the A46 between Widmerpool and Newark and the A453 between Kegworth and
Clifton in Nottinghamshire.
Public consultation on our preferred option for the A46 scheme commenced at the end of March this year and local exhibitions were
held in April. The public consultation period ends on 20 June 2003. The future programme depends on how quickly the various
statutory processes can be completed but we are currently planning to announce a preferred route in Spring 2004, with a start of
works sometime during 2007.
The proposals for the A53 scheme are at an early stage. As a result of recommendations made in the A453 Nottingham to M1 Multi-Modal
Study, the Secretary of State for Transport announced last December that he was minded to include a scheme in the Targeted Programme
of Improvements (TPI). At the same time, he asked the Highways Agency to carry out further preliminary assessment work. Assuming
that a scheme is included in the TPI later this year, construction work is currently scheduled to commence in 2008.
As with the A46, achievement of this date is subject to the satisfactory completion of the required statutory procedures.
If you would like any further details about these proposals, our staff would be pleased to help. The Project Manager for the A46
scheme is Geoff Bethel and the Project Sponsor for the A453 scheme is John Holt. Both can be contacted at the Agency's offices at
Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1BL; Geoff on 0121 678 8137 and John on 0121 678 8314.
Subjects
Construction; Roads; Dual carriageways; Nottinghamshire
Date
18 June 2003
Reference
119171;119172; 407 c220-1W
House
House of Commons