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21 Oct 2002 : Column 14W—continued

Journey Planners (Cycling)

Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish findings of research into putting cycling into journey planners; and what steps are being taken to act upon these findings. [75598]

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Mr. Jamieson: As part of the development work for Transport Direct Sustrans undertook a piece of research to look at how cycling could be incorporated into a journey planner. The research highlighted difficulties in doing this on a national scale. The biggest issue is the lack of cycling information being held electronically, cycle routes need to be geo-coded, and these codes need to be held in frequently updated databases to be used successfully in journey planners. Transport Direct does aim to include cycling, but due to the problems outlined above this may have to wait until later versions.

The Executive Summary and a link to the full paper (which is on the Sustrans website) has been placed on the Department's website www.dft.gov.uk/itwp/transdirect/cyclene/index.htm.

The recommendations outlined in the report highlighted work needed to progress this issue. The Department will be working with other bodies, including local authorities, Sustrans and other cycling bodies to progress the issues discussed above.

Bus Lanes

Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes have been made to legislation with regard to revenue raised from bus lane enforcement since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [75607]

Mr. Jamieson: Local authorities with decriminalised parking enforcement (DPE) powers may issue penalty charge notices in the case of vehicles parked in contravention of bus lanes. Use of surplus income from parking penalty charge notices is governed by the provisions of section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This section was amended by the Greater London Authority Act 1999 to enable London authorities to use surplus income in connection with implementation in their area of the Mayor of London's transport strategy.

The London Local Authorities Act 1996 enables London authorities, including Transport for London, to issue penalty charge notices on the basis of evidence provided by a prescribed device in respect of vehicles being driven illegally in bus lanes. Use of surplus income from the enforcement of moving bus lane contraventions in London is governed by Schedule 2 to the 1996 Act.

Otherwise, responsibility for enforcement of bus lanes is the responsibility of the police and fine income accrues to the Exchequer.

We are currently preparing regulations to be made under section 144 of the Transport Act 2000 which will enable local authorities outside London with DPE powers to issue penalty charge notices in respect of vehicles being driven illegally in bus lanes.

Heathrow Airport (Rail Links)

Martin Linton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of rail links between Waterloo and Heathrow Airport; and what support the Government plans to make available to private companies to use (a) existing tracks and (b) new tracks in order to connect Waterloo and Clapham Junction to Heathrow Airport. [75202]

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Mr. Jamieson: The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom (South East) consultation is seeking views on a range of options, one of which is for an additional short runway at Heathrow. The main consultation document indicates in paragraphs 7.10 to 7.15 the type and scale of rail infrastructure that would be needed to connect the Heathrow airport option to the wider rail network. The analysis has not attempted to identify the precise location and design of these connections. However, our intention is for the aviation White Paper to contain proposals for improved surface access to Heathrow whether or not a further runway is provided. The level of financial support the Government might make available depends on: the likely net benefit to non-airport rail users; negotiations to maximise funding from aviation; and, the extent to which any public sector contribution would divert funding from other SRA priorities.

Martin Linton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had on Heathrow Airport rail links with (a) the Strategic Rail Authority and (b) interest groups. [75203]

Mr. Jamieson: I, and other departmental Ministers, meet the Strategic Rail Authority on a regular basis; as part of wider industry meetings and specifically to discuss the Authority's work—which includes rail access to airports. We are currently undertaking a wide-ranging consultation on aviation issues that will include discussion about airport rail links with a variety of groups including local authorities.

Shoreham Port Authority

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he has had with the management of Shoreham Port Authority regarding the appointment of a new Chief Executive; [75551]

Mr. Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 18 March 2002, Official Report, column 37W, where I stated that the recruitment of employees of the Shoreham Port Authority is not a matter for my Department.

Port Safety

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those ports, sub-divided by type, which do not meet the standards of the Port Marine Safety Code; what assessment his Department has made of those which do not meet this standard and what steps have been taken as a result; what further steps are planned; and if he will place the assessments in the Library. [75009]

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Mr. Jamieson: The following competent harbour authorities have not yet demonstrated compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code:



























We have corresponded or met with the authorities that have not yet fully implemented the Code and we are undertaking an overall review of its implementation, which we hope to complete in the New Year; indications so far are that implementing authorities have achieved a high overall standard. The Code makes it a matter for the port to publish compliance statements.

Road User Charges

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether guidance to local authorities on introducing the work place parking levy and road user charging schemes will supersede guidelines already adopted by individual authorities; and what assessment has been made of the impact on local authorities of changes to guidelines where guidelines on work place parking levy and road user charging schemes have already been adopted. [75016]

Mr. Jamieson: Local authorities will be given adequate time to bring any existing road user charging or workplace parking levy schemes into line with any national guidance, should that be necessary.

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the process for consultation on the draft guidance to local authorities on introducing the work place parking levy and road user charging schemes. [75017]

Mr. Jamieson: I am still considering the nature and scope of guidance on the workplace parking levy and on road user charging.

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Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the guidance to local authorities on introducing the work place parking levy and road user charging. [75018]

Mr. Jamieson: A number of local authorities and representative organisations have enquired about guidance on the workplace parking levy and on road user charging, I am still considering the nature and scope of the guidance.

Train Movements

Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Strategic Rail Authority will publish the findings of a feasibility study on real time train movements; and what steps it and his Department are taking to act upon these findings. [75606]

Mr. Jamieson: I understand that the Strategic Rail Authority has undertaken a feasibility study of Real Time Train Movements (RTTM) in order to create an outline design specification and resolve technical issues. The SRA is not proposing to publish the study, but is proceeding with the implementation of RTTM, which will provide the essential database for public information systems and other uses.

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