Asked by: Saqib Bhatti (Conservative - Meriden)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions his Department has had with Network Rail on the steps that it is taking to reduce (a) noise and (b) air pollution emitted from diesel trains (i) stopping and (ii) idling at the Dorridge Freight loop.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Department engages closely with Network Rail on a range of freight related issues.
With respect to the Dorridge Freight loop, Network Rail has taken steps to mitigate concerns around noise and air pollution. It has conducted a review of planned freight services following engagement with local residents and Sohihull Council and, where possible, has amended the timetable to avoid the Dorridge Freight loop. For shorter trains, Network Rail has also taken steps to stop trains elsewhere, away from the loop exit, to limit impacts on communities. Network Rail has also limited night time use by only using the Dorridge loop if there is no alternative possible.
Asked by: Saqib Bhatti (Conservative - Meriden)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the (a) compensation claims process and (b) levels of evidence required for compensation in HS2 compulsory purchase negotiations.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
My Department works with HS2 Ltd to deliver a robust compensation process, and keeps the compensation schemes available to those affected by HS2 under ongoing review. This applies to the arrangements for compulsory acquisition. A formal review of all schemes was last conducted in 2020 but my Department works closely with HS2 Ltd to monitor and appraise the schemes, with the presumption that they should be easy to navigate and that the level of evidence required is appropriate and proportionate. HS2 Ltd has published comprehensive guidance setting out the evidence that should be provided when claiming compensation.
Asked by: Saqib Bhatti (Conservative - Meriden)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the risks of locating motorway service stations (a) on smart motorways and (b) between junctions that are normally congested on motorways.
Answered by Kelly Tolhurst
The Government recognises the important role that motorway service areas (MSAs) play in providing a safe place for motorists to stop and take a short break from driving. It is for the private sector to promote and operate service areas that meet the needs of the travelling public. New and existing roadside facilities are subject to the provisions of relevant planning legislation and regulation, which together set the framework within which local planning authorities would consider the planning proposals for such developments. As a statutory consultee, Highways England will provide advice to local planning authorities on matters relating to the impact that such proposed developments will have upon the safety and operation of the strategic road network as set out in the Department for Transport Circular 02/2013. In 2019, the Department commissioned an evidence stocktake to gather the facts on the safety of smart motorways and make recommendations. The stocktake has just concluded.