Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to commission research on securing level access to trains in the UK (1) by lowering the track bed where it is possible to do so, (2) by rising the platform height where it is not possible to lower the track bed, and (3) by acquiring trains with low level access between the bogie wheels.

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

The Government is committed to improving accessibility across the rail network and recognises that level boarding is an essential ingredient of this. We are developing a long-term integrated rolling stock and infrastructure strategy for the first time in over 30 years. The strategy will place the needs of passengers at its heart and set out Great British Railways' expected future rolling stock requirements and how they can best be met and delivered. We anticipate the strategy will set out how we move forward with level boarding. It will then be for Great British Railways to determine the specific design and engineering solutions to deliver this.

Question

To ask The Senior Deputy Speaker, following the announcement that cycle lanes will be constructed along Abingdon Street and St Margaret Street, what arrangement will be made with the Metropolitan Police to secure the safety of Peers, Parliamentary staff and visitors from cyclists disobeying the red pedestrian lights.

Answered by Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede

Westminster City Council, Transport for London and the Greater London Authority are constructing a new cycleway on Millbank and Abingdon Street to replace the existing cycle lane. Black Rod’s Department and the House of Lords Estates team have been fully engaged with the external delivery team to ensure parliamentary access, security, ceremonial and safety issues are fully understood, and continue to make clear that the safety of Peers, Parliamentary staff and visitors is paramount. Cyclists are required to obey traffic signals, including pedestrian crossings, and enforcement of such offences is primarily a matter for the Metropolitan Police. Westminster City Council and Transport for London will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to monitor the operation of the new cycle facilities, support compliance through design and signage, and consider targeted enforcement where appropriate. The scheme will be kept under review following implementation to ensure it operates safely for all users.