Asked by: Ben Howlett (Conservative - Bath)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the use of trams to increase low-carbon travel.
Answered by Andrew Jones
In the right circumstances, this Government supports light rail and other types of urban transit. They can play an important role in our local transport networks, help reduce congestion, reduce carbon emissions and increase low carbon travel. Introducing a light rail system is a local matter for the relevant local authority and Local Economic Partnership to consider based on their needs and funding priorities.
Asked by: Ben Howlett (Conservative - Bath)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to support high street retailers that have incurred significant losses due to overrunning street works.
Answered by Andrew Jones
Compensation arrangements are already provided through The Gas (Street Works) (Compensation of Small Businesses) Regulations 1996 and the Water Industry Act 1991, which provide for compensation to be paid in certain circumstances in respect of loss or damage caused by gas-related and water-related street works. More widely, we are taking steps to reduce the disruption caused by street works, including the wider application of permit schemes and the piloting of lane rental. Further information about these initiatives may be found at:
www.dft.gov.uk/topics/road-management/street-works
Asked by: Ben Howlett (Conservative - Bath)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to promote joined-up transport ticketing systems in (a) Bath and (b) Bristol.
Answered by Andrew Jones
We are working closely with the local authorities and transport operators in both Bath and Bristol to deliver integrated transport ticketing. Building better bus services: multi-operator ticketing was published by the Department in March 2013 and provides guidance for local transport authorities on planning and implementing multi-operator ticketing services. In October 2013 the Department established the Smart Cities Partnership programme to accelerate the delivery of smart multi-operator commercial tickets. The West of England Partnership, including Bath and Bristol, is a member of the Smart Cities Partnership and has, alongside other large cities, bus operators (and equipment suppliers), committed to delivery principles that will underpin growth in smart, multi-operator ticketing. The big five bus operators have undertaken to deliver multi-operator ticketing this year throughout the Smart Cities Partnership areas, including Bristol, and we will be working with them to support delivery.
Asked by: Ben Howlett (Conservative - Bath)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make representations to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency on permitting cycle racks on the front of buses.
Answered by Andrew Jones
There are no specific regulations dealing with the fitting of cycle racks to the front of buses. The vehicle must comply with applicable road traffic law, including, but not limited to, overall dimensions, lighting, driver view of the road and the avoidance of danger, such as the potential risk to pedestrians. These requirements may be influenced by the vehicle type and the design and location of the rack. In common with other legislative provisions, it will be for the vehicle operator to ensure compliance with the law.
As such, I do not believe there is cause for my intervention. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency enforces existing road vehicle regulations and they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to fulfil this function.