Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gareth Johnson and Chris Heaton-Harris

Thursday 28th January 2021 Commons Chamber

[Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con) [V]]

What discussions has my hon. Friend had with the Mayor of London about his proposals to charge my constituents in Kent £3.50 to drive into the neighbouring London Borough of Bexley? Does my hon. Friend agree that that would have a catastrophic and disproportionate impact on places such as Dartford that border London?

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Chris Heaton-Harris)]

There are always lots of conversations going on between Transport for London, the Mayor and the Department. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and TfL, and it is because of decisions that the Mayor has made that TfL has found itself saddled with massive debt and unable to deliver infrastructure projects, leaving it in a weak position even before covid raised its ugly head. The Government—the UK taxpayer, therefore—have agreed two extraordinary financing packages for TfL worth over £3 billion to ensure the continuation of public transport services in this great city.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gareth Johnson and Chris Heaton-Harris

Monday 18th May 2020 Commons Chamber

[Andrea Jenkyns (Morley and Outwood) (Con)]

What steps he has taken to protect rail passengers from financial loss during the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Chris Heaton-Harris)]

We have extended refunds to all ticket types and made claiming refunds easier to ensure that passengers do not lose out financially.

[Gareth Johnson]

What discussions has the Minister had with rail operators such as Southeastern over season ticket holders who have just a couple of months left on their season ticket, and who, because of the virus, have been unable to travel but are ineligible for a refund? These commuters have suffered quite considerably and it would be welcome news if some assistance were available for them.

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

The Government have been talking to train operators throughout this whole process, as my hon. Friend would expect, but we do not have plans to extend season tickets. Season ticket holders are already entitled to request a refund in accordance with the National Rail conditions of travel. Over 100,000 season ticket holders have already claimed refunds totalling £150 million in the current covid travel restriction period.