Asked by: Craig Williams (Conservative - Montgomeryshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the proposed timescale is for installing a free-flow toll system on the Severn Bridges.
Answered by John Hayes
The timing of any potential installation of free-flow tolling has yet to be decided. If following the consultation it is decided to further consider the case for free-flow then we will set out the further steps necessary and this may lead to a further consultation on its implementation.
Asked by: Craig Williams (Conservative - Montgomeryshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Severn Bridges will return to public ownership.
Answered by John Hayes
The private concession will end once Severn River Crossing PLC have recovered an agreed amount of revenue from users. This amount is £1,028,910,000 (in July 1989 prices). We expect this revenue to be fully recovered some time between late 2017 and early 2018, depending on traffic flows, and both crossings will return to public ownership after that.
Asked by: Craig Williams (Conservative - Montgomeryshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many applications from bus companies based in Wales were submitted for the low emission bus scheme; and how many of those applications were successful.
Answered by Andrew Jones
The £30m Low Emission Bus Scheme (LEBS) was the first time operators and local authorities in Wales were eligible to apply for funding for low emission buses. We were overbid by four times the amount of funding available, and we were unable to fund the majority of the bids received due to the strong competition. The scheme received four Welsh bids, one of which was successful. Unfortunately, due to reasons entirely separate from the fund, the bidder had to withdraw their application.
Asked by: Craig Williams (Conservative - Montgomeryshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to improve rail links with Cardiff.
Answered by Paul Maynard
The Government remains absolutely committed to delivering the benefits to passengers of improved services while ensuring we get maximum value for the taxpayer.
We are making good progress on work to electrify the Great Western main line to Cardiff; and passengers will be able to look forward to improved journeys with more seats when the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) trains come into service.