Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the 20 mile per hour speed limit in central London is primarily to (1) reduce accidents, or (2) raise revenue; and if the former, what data they hold for any reduction in mortality since the introduction of that speed limit.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Responsibility for decisions on most of the London road network rests with the London boroughs, while Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for the Red Routes. The introduction of 20mph speed limits on all these roads is a matter for local determination, either by Boroughs or TfL, and the Department does not intervene in those decisions.

The Department’s comprehensive three-year evaluation of the effect of 20mph signed-only limits was published on 22 November 2018. It substantially strengthened the evidence base on perceptions, speeds and early outcomes associated with 20mph speed limits. The evaluation can be viewed online.

A London study published on the TFL website shows 35% fewer collisions, 34% fewer fatal/serious injuries, and 46% fewer child casualties on 20‑mph roads.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their current budget allocation for work on promoting racial equality in prisons.

Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

There is no central budget in HM Prison & Probation Service for race equality work, though its Disparities Unit (which includes a Race Disparity Team) focuses on equality issues for the agency. Prison budgets are managed locally, and governors have autonomy to allocate expenditure as required.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have carried out an Equality Impact Assessment on the provisions of the Sentencing Act 2026 with specific reference to the progression model; and, if so, whether it has been published.

Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

An Equality Impact Assessment was undertaken for the provisions of the Sentencing Act 2026, including those relating to the Progression model. This analysis was published in the Sentencing Bill equality statement, which is available on GOV.UK via the following link and has also been attached as an annex: Sentencing Bill equalities statement