Transport ministers were answering questions in the Commons.
Subjects covered included...
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Transport Connectivity: North of England
(Bradford South) (Lab)
1. What steps his Department is taking to improve transport
connectivity in the north of England. [911316]
The Secretary of State for Transport (Chris Grayling)
Mr Speaker, as you know, we have a big programme of investment in
transport across the north, after decades of underinvestment.
That includes replacing every single train in the north of
England, getting rid of the long-outdated Pacer trains, buying
new trains for the Newcastle upon Tyne Metro and investing nearly
£3 billion in the road network in the north, including an
extensive smart motorways programme. The Transforming Cities
funds are delivering to individual cities the opportunity to
improve metro systems.
The Secretary of State may have seen that newspapers across the
north have come together again this week to call on the
Government to commit to a series of policy changes to power up
the north. Towns and cities, villages and hamlets—despite our
diversity, the north stands as one to call for more powers and
more funding. At the heart of that must be the transformative new
rail network linking the great north cities, including Bradford.
Will the Secretary of State grasp this moment and make Northern
Powerhouse Rail a priority, with a city centre station in
Bradford?
First, Northern Powerhouse Rail is a manifesto commitment for
this Government. The work is being done at the moment to take it
forward. Indeed, as the hon. Lady should be aware, in the past
few days we have published further details of the interchanges
between Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2, thus demonstrating
further our commitment to that project.
With regard to Bradford, as the hon. Lady knows, I have had
meetings with the council leader. I am extremely sympathetic to
the need to ensure that Bradford is a proper part of the Northern
Powerhouse Rail network.
Sir (Derbyshire Dales)
(Con)
Will my right hon. Friend consider publishing a report, showing
in table form the investment in transport in the north between
2010 and 2019, and between 2001 and 2010, so that we can see what
investment has been given to the north over the past nine years,
and in the previous nine years, which just happened to be under a
different Government? This Government can be incredibly proud of
the investment in the north.
I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend. I pay tribute to
him for what he did to step up investment in the north. When I
listen to the Opposition waxing on about a lack of investment in
the north, I would simply remind them that when they were in
power they let a Northern Rail franchise with no investment in it
at all, whereas this Conservative Government are replacing every
single train in the north with either a brand-new or a completely
refurbished train.
Mr (Sheffield South East)
(Lab)
When I drive around Europe this summer, I will not find any two
major cities less well connected than Sheffield and Manchester. A
review has been done of improving the road connections between
those two cities, and there is now an agreed best way forward.
When will the Government activate that, so that we get an
all-purpose, all-weather route between those two cities?
I can tell the hon. Gentleman that the concept of the tunnel,
which has been much reviewed and much discussed, is on the board
agenda for the next Transport for the North meeting, and we are
looking forward with interest to seeing the detail of those
proposals. It is clearly necessary to improve trans-Pennine
links. That is why we are committed to dualling the A66 and are
putting in improvements on the A69. It is why I have asked
Highways England to start work on better links between east
Lancashire and west Yorkshire. Quite clearly, particularly given
the vulnerability of the M62 to bad weather, a second route
between Manchester and Sheffield must also be a part of the
future.
(North West Leicestershire)
(Con)
Although North West Leicestershire is the centre of the midlands,
most people in London think it is in the north. Despite
delivering the highest economic growth outside London and the
south-east, we have no passenger railway station. What is the
Secretary of State going to do about that? Would not reopening
the Ivanhoe line be an excellent idea?
I am very much aware of the potential to expand services in the
east midlands by bringing back into service some of the routes
that no longer carry passengers. It is why the new franchisees in
the east midlands will be looking at bringing back services on
the Robin Hood line, and I am happy to commit to discuss with my
hon. Friend in much more detail whether we can do something
similar in future with the Ivanhoe line.
(Middlesbrough) (Lab)
Thirty-three northern newspapers, including the Manchester
Evening News, The Northern Echo, the Yorkshire Post, the
Sheffield Star and the Liverpool Echo, are all supporting the
Power Up The North campaign, demanding an end to underinvestment
in the north. This Government have repeatedly broken their
promises of investment in the north, with the region set to
receive just a fraction of the investment to be made in London,
and “northern powerhouse” has to be much more than a slogan. So
will the Secretary of State take the opportunity to commit not
only to electrifying the trans-Pennine route, but to matching
Labour’s £10 billion-plus commitment to deliver a Crossrail for
the north?
What I am not going to do is match Labour’s record of investment
in the north, because it was lousy. The Labour Government spent
nothing on trains, and did not upgrade railways in the north. We
are upgrading roads in the north, and upgrading railways across
the north. The Trans-Pennine upgrade is the flagship—the largest
investment programme on the railways in the next control
period—and Labour Members have the brass neck to say that they
are the ones with a plan. They did nothing; we are doing things.
Hammersmith Bridge
(Richmond Park) (Con)
2. If he will allocate funding to Transport for London for the
repair of Hammersmith bridge. [911317]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Michael
Ellis)
The maintenance of Hammersmith bridge is a matter for the London
Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Neither the borough nor
Transport for London has approached the Department to seek
funding to repair the bridge.
I am very disappointed that they have not done so. I understand
the temptation for the Government to see this as a local issue,
but it is much more than that. Greater London has just 33 major
crossings; this one took 20,000 cars and 1,800 buses a day, so
its closure for up to three years is catastrophic for residents
and businesses, and is causing mayhem in an already congested
part of London. I was disappointed to hear what the Minister said
about not being approached by the borough or TfL—that needs to
change—but the Government also need to show a proper interest, so
may I please urge him to look at the matter again?
Transport in London is, of course, devolved to the Mayor of
London. I have been astonished and exasperated in just the last
couple of weeks in the Department to see how badly run Labour
London’s transport is, and I am astonished by the indolence of
the Labour London Mayor, . Hammersmith bridge is being
neglected—my hon. Friend is right about that—by the Mayor, who is
asleep on the job.
(Hammersmith) (Lab)
The Transport Secretary should have done his homework a little
better. I have here a copy of my letter to him of 11 April—and
his response of 21 May; no urgency there—asking for assistance
with funding for Hammersmith bridge, on the reasonable grounds
that he had taken £800 million from the subsidy to TfL and the
previous Mayor of London had wasted more than £40 million on the
garden bridge. Can we stop the party politicking? Will the
Secretary of State do his job sensibly and support TfL and
Hammersmith Council, which are working together to resolve this
matter, instead of grandstanding in this way?
It is a little rich for the hon. Gentleman to refer to party
politics. The fact is that Hammersmith bridge has been a project
for London since 2015, and the Mayor of London has done nothing
about it. The fact is that it is the responsibility of the London
borough and Transport for London mechanisms. The hon. Gentleman
does not want to admit the facts, but the facts are those.
(Chelsea and Fulham) (Con)
It is now two months since the bridge closed, and the Thames is
uncrossable for a remarkable three and a half-mile stretch. In
that time, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has not
yet even produced a report diagnosing the problems. All that it
has done is have a row with Labour-run Transport for London over
funding for work when it has not yet worked out what it needs.
Will my hon. Friend agree to meet the Mayor of London and the
council to bang heads together between the two warring Labour
authorities and get the bridge open again?
We often see Labour authorities needing to have their heads
banged together, because they are often at war, as they appear to
be in this case. It seems to me that banging heads together in
regard to this matter would be a good thing, and I will carefully
consider my right hon. Friend’s request.
Cycling
(Totnes) (Ind)
3. What steps he is taking to increase the uptake of cycling as a
means of transport. [911318]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Michael
Ellis)
The Government are committed to increasing cycling and walking,
and to making our roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Spending per head on cycling and walking has more than trebled
since 2010, and about £2 billion is now being invested in cycling
and walking over the current Parliament. That is helping to fund
new infrastructure in many towns and cities.
Dr Wollaston
I am sure that the whole House will wish to join me in wishing
the very best to Chris Froome.
I welcome the removal of the cap from the Cycle to Work scheme,
but many of the people who could benefit most from e-bikes are
not in work. What will the Minister do to support the use of
e-bikes and non-standard pedal cycles by older people and those
with disabilities? Will he meet me to discuss how we can create a
safer infrastructure to encourage such use, particularly in my
constituency, where there has been a long-standing block to the
Littlehempston to Totnes cycleway?
I shall be happy to meet the hon. Lady, and I extend similar
sentiments to Chris Froome.
Investment has trebled since Labour was in office, thanks to this
Government. In the past few days I have made two visits to
support Bike Week, and I shall be making a Bikeability visit this
afternoon. As a result of the Government’s £29 billion investment
in roads, cycling is being supported, but, as I have said, I
shall be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss the matter
further.
(Reading East) (Lab)
As we have heard, this week is Bike Week, yet the Government’s
own statistics show that they are failing to increase cycling.
Research shows many people are too scared to ride a bike. This is
hardly surprising given that aggressive driving is increasing and
10 cyclists are killed or seriously injured every day, according
to the road safety charity Brake. Is it not high time for the
Government to show some leadership and make a substantial
investment in safe cycle routes and more traffic police to
encourage everyone to cycle, rather than just giving tax breaks
to a few wealthier cyclists when they buy a new bike? What the
Government should do now is make cycling for the many, not just
the brave.
I am pleased to say that I have been cycling this week, so I do
not think it is just the brave who are going cycling. The average
number of miles cycled per person has increased by 54% since
2002. The number of trips cycled has remained between 14 and 18
for the last 16 years, however, and we are putting massive
investment into this area and will continue to do so.
Leaving the EU: Ports
(Livingston) (SNP)
4. What steps he is taking to prepare UK ports for when the UK
leaves the EU. [911319]
(Dundee West) (SNP)
11. What steps he is taking to prepare UK ports for when the UK
leaves the EU. [911328]
(Motherwell and Wishaw)
(SNP)
17. What steps he is taking to prepare UK ports for when the UK
leaves the EU. [911335]
(Gower) (Lab)
18. What steps he is taking to prepare UK ports for when the UK
leaves the EU. [911336]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Ms
Nusrat Ghani)
The UK port sector is resilient and flexible, and is well placed
to adapt successfully in preparation for Brexit. My Department
continues to work with the border delivery group to ensure that
trade continues with minimum friction at UK ports. The Government
shall take all steps necessary to ensure that vital goods
continue to flow into the country when the UK leaves the EU, and
we continue to liaise closely with the devolved Administrations.
Last month we learned that the National Audit Office warned the
Transport Secretary in advance that there was a high likelihood
of a successful legal challenge regarding the no-deal ferry
contracts, which directly contradicts his previous responses on
the subject, so when will he admit culpability and apologise for
this reckless action, which has resulted in a hefty bill for the
taxpayer?
Ms Ghani
I am afraid that the hon. Lady needs to look again at the notes
that have been placed in her hand, because she has contradicted
herself in that statement. It is absolutely right and proper for
the Government to prepare for no deal, and that was exactly what
we did to ensure that vital goods got into the country in case of
a no-deal situation.
Can the Minister explain why the Secretary of State or his
Department could not identify P&O Ferries, or indeed our
wonderful ferry system in Scotland, CalMac, as candidates for
additional cross-channel ferry services—both of them, unlike
Seaborne, do have ships—and what is his Department’s estimate for
the next legal settlement?
Ms Ghani
I was hoping that the hon. Gentleman was going to talk up his own
ports and the extra business that will become available once we
have left Europe, considering how excited ports are about the
further opportunities coming our way. As I mentioned earlier, it
was right and proper that we prepared for no deal, and we were
working with a number of Government Departments to make sure
capacity was available. The question of capacity was not for this
Department; it was for a number of other Departments. It is
curious that the hon. Gentleman does not also reflect on what the
Scottish Government wanted in place just in case they needed
extra capacity as well.
So far the Secretary of State’s reckless actions on ferry
contracts alone have cost £43.8 million in termination payouts to
Brittany Ferries and DFDS, £800,000 in consultancy fees and £33
million to Eurotunnel, with P&O also expecting £33
million-plus legal fees to be added to the final bill, so the sum
will be over £110 million. What is being sacrificed to pay for
this, and when will the Secretary of State apologise?
Ms Ghani
No-deal preparation carried out by this Department for freight
capacity was just 1% of the overall budget for no deal
planning—1%.
The Welsh Assembly’s Brexit Committee found that a no-deal Brexit
would pose a serious threat to the port sector in Wales,
particularly in Holyhead and Fishguard. What recent discussions
has the Minister had with the port authorities to avoid no-deal
chaos in these Welsh ports?
Ms Ghani
I welcome the question. I was at the inter-ministerial group,
which I chair, with all the port authorities, and I met
Associated British Ports just recently. It is working closely
with us to prepare for no deal, and it is excited about the
opportunities that we can put forward through Maritime 2050, our
30-year strategy for investment in our ports, both in technology
and in our seafarers, to ensure that we are ready for our new
opportunities.
(Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
(SNP)
We have had no apology today, and the Secretary of State sits
there and lets his Minister come to the Dispatch Box while he
shakes his head. The reality is that the next no-deal deadline is
October, but we are not going to have a new Prime Minister in
place until July and we will then have the summer recess. It will
therefore be almost impossible to make proper preparations for a
no-deal Brexit in October, yet the Transport Secretary is
supporting a no-deal candidate for the leadership of the Tory
party. Can the Minister detail any work that is going on just
now, or is the Department so reckless that it just does not care,
which will result in further chaos and another £110 million down
the drain?
Ms Ghani
I do not know what to say—the hon. Gentleman is disappointed that
the Secretary of State is not at the Dispatch Box, but this is my
portfolio and I am pleased to be responding to his question.
If the hon. Gentleman was close to the maritime sector, he would
be aware that we have been working with it for the past two years
and that just this week we had the inter-ministerial group
meeting with the port sector and I appeared in front of the
all-party parliamentary group for maritime and ports. There is
extensive dialogue and constant research to see what we need to
do to continue to prepare, and if this arises again, come
October, we will put preparations in place.
(Kingston upon Hull East)
(Lab)
We could be just four months away from a disastrous no-deal
Brexit, yet the Government have put on hold their contingency
plans. The Secretary of State’s previous efforts resulted in 89
lorries and a refuse truck pretending to be on convoy to Dover,
when in reality that route takes 10,000 heavy goods vehicles a
day. He doled out contracts to ferry companies that did not have
any actual ferries, or the means to get them, with terms and
conditions cut and pasted from a fast food takeaway. He also
threw 33 million quid away in an out-of-court settlement, and
there are potentially many more litigations coming down the
track. Will the Minister please give us a clue as to the
Secretary of State’s next great plans?
Ms Ghani
Our plans amounted to just 1% of the no-deal planning, and it was
the right thing to do for the Government to prepare for all
eventualities. We were responsible in putting together the
freight capacity that would be needed for critical supplies,
including for the national health service. If the hon. Gentleman
is so nervous about no deal, he should support a deal.
Road Safety
(Heywood and Middleton)
(Lab)
5. What steps his Department is taking to improve road safety.
[911320]
(Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney)
(Lab)
7. What steps his Department is taking to improve road safety.
[911323]
(Battersea) (Lab)
14. What steps his Department is taking to improve road safety.
[911332]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Michael
Ellis)
In June last year, the Department issued a written statement to
Parliament that reported progress on the actions from its road
safety statement. The statement also outlined more actions, such
as putting £100 million into improving 50 of the most dangerous
stretches of A roads in England and committing to a refreshed
road safety statement and a two-year action plan to address four
priority groups: young people, rural road users, motorcyclists
and older vulnerable users.
I thank the Minister for that answer, but last year 157 people
were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving. The
average length of the sentence given was just over six years.
Does he agree that if this Government had introduced life
sentences for that crime, as they promised to do in October 2017,
we might have seen a consequent improvement in road safety and
fewer of those dreadful crimes occurring last year?
The Department and the Secretary of State take these matters
extremely seriously, and a great deal of work continues to be
done on the subject of road safety. Any deaths or injuries via
drink-driving are of course totally unacceptable, and we will do
everything we can to continue to mitigate that. The fact is that
the Department has doubled the penalty points for improper use of
a mobile phone while driving, and we have also been investing via
Facebook in the Think! campaign. We continue to work across the
board to mitigate these issues. We are in constant contact with
the Home Office and the police service on this issue, and that
will continue.
In August 2017, 22-month-old Pearl Melody Black from Merthyr
Tydfil was killed after a runaway car hit a wall, which fell on
top of her. The current legislation did not allow the Crown
Prosecution Service to bring justice to my constituents, Paul and
Gemma Black. I have written to the Secretary of State, to the
Department and to Ministers and previous Ministers to request a
meeting to see whether we can work together to bring about a
change in the legislation so that other parents do not have to
endure this in future. Will the Minister agreed to meet me to see
what can be done?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that tragic case of the
runaway vehicle. The decision to prosecute lies with the Crown
Prosecution Service. It would be inappropriate for the Department
for Transport to comment on its decision, but I would be happy to
meet him. I can say that DFT officials have been in discussion
with the CPS and the Ministry of Justice about the case and
dangerous driving offences more broadly, and we will continue to
monitor the situation.
Last summer, I welcomed the Government’s announcement of a
moratorium on shared spaces—road designs that remove the physical
divides between the road and footways. Those cause considerable
danger for blind and partially sighted people, including me, even
turning some roads into no-go areas for people with sight loss.
Concerns remain about what will happen to current shared spaces
and the Government’s plans for the future. Can the Minister
confirm that the Government recognise that such shared spaces are
unacceptably inaccessible, and will funding be made available to
make sure that they are made accessible for blind and partially
sighted people?
I thank the hon. Lady for raising the point, which the Department
is cognisant of. Research is being done in Scotland on this
subject, and we hope for some results from that in the next
several months.
(North Cornwall) (Con)
19. I welcome the Minister to his place. One of the best ways to
improve road safety, improve air quality and reduce congestion is
to get on with the major roads network fund. Cornwall Council has
prioritised the Camelford bypass as its main contribution to this
scheme, and I would welcome a meeting with him to discuss it.
[911337]
May I take this opportunity to say how much I enjoyed my visit to
my hon. Friend’s constituency while I was responsible for another
portfolio some time ago? My right hon. Friend the Secretary of
State has been to see the local challenge for the Camelford
bypass and is therefore visibly sighted on it. It has much merit,
and I am happy to meet my hon. Friend. My officials are working
with Cornwall Council to assess the scheme so that a decision can
be made as soon as possible, and I hope that it will get on and
submit it.
(Mansfield) (Con)
I welcome my hon. Friend’s mention of improvements to A roads.
The most problematic A road in my constituency has had several
visits from the Secretary of State. There are detailed plans for
improvements to what is known as the Sainsbury’s junction in
Mansfield with the Department: can the Minister update me on
progress?
I understand there will be an opportunity to bid for funding on
that matter shortly.
(Nottingham South)
(Lab)
I welcome the Minister to his new role. I hope that he will bring
the same enthusiasm, especially for cycling and walking, as his
predecessor, and I am sure that he is looking forward to
appearing before the Transport Committee. Yesterday, our
Committee was told that the Government need to change their
approach to public education on using a mobile phone while
driving if they are to fulfil the Prime Minister’s ambition of
making that offence as socially unacceptable as drink driving.
Will the Minister commit to taking action to increase public
awareness of the risks of driving while using a mobile phone,
whether handheld or hands-free, which we were told reduces
motorists’ capability to that of a brand-new driver. It is the
equivalent of being at the drink-drive limit and makes a road
traffic collision four times more likely.
It is very kind of the hon. Lady to invite me to appear before
her Committee: I think that something is already in the diary. On
cycling, I have already spoken to Transport for London about
that. I have been on a bike several times this week and will be
again later. On the important issue of mobile phone use while
driving, the Department has been working extremely hard: we have
increased the penalty points from three to six, and we have put a
lot of investment into social media to warn users of the dangers
and we will continue to do so.
Public Transport
(Newport East) (Lab)
6. What steps he is taking to encourage greater use of public
transport. [911322]
The Secretary of State for Transport (Chris Grayling)
Local bus journeys remain central to transport choices,
accounting for around 59% of all public transport journeys. The
Bus Services Act 2017, introduced by this Government, gives local
authorities tools to improve local bus services and increase
passenger numbers. The Government spend around £2 billion a year
supporting passenger road transport. We are also investing record
levels in the UK rail network as part of the biggest
modernisation programme for many decades.
I know from constituents who commute that far more needs to be
done to improve capacity and make traveling by rail more
affordable, to encourage people out of their cars. What will
Ministers do to address the fact that Wales is set to get only 6%
of planned UK rail spending, despite Welsh routes making up 11%
of the network? As part of that, can we have a new railway
station for Magor as part of the new stations fund?
On that latter point, I am aware of the interest of the hon.
Lady’s constituents, and it is something we will look at very
carefully. I hope she welcomes the Government’s substantial
investment in improved rolling stock, improved capacity and
improved speed on the Great Western main line, which will benefit
her constituency and the whole economy of south Wales.
The hon. Lady also talks about transport investment. It is
surprising that, in the past few days, the Labour Administration
in Wales have backed away from a major upgrade to the M4, which,
of course, is the most significant artery for south Wales and its
economy.
(Chatham and Aylesford)
(Con)
Given yesterday’s announcement on legislating for net zero
greenhouse gases, what steps is my right hon. Friend taking to
decarbonise public transport?
We are taking a variety of different measures. In this country,
we will shortly be seeing the first battery hybrid trains and the
first hydrogen-powered trains, and we are providing support for
low emission and ultra-low emission buses. Indeed, I recently
went to the constituency of the Under-Secretary of State for
Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate and
Knaresborough (Andrew Jones) to see the work that the local bus
company is doing to introduce entirely electric-powered local bus
routes. There is a huge amount happening, but of course, there is
a lot more to do to decarbonise the whole public transport sector
and our road transport, too.
(Strangford) (DUP)
Has the Secretary of State had any discussions with the Treasury
regarding a public transport voucher scheme that can be taken
from pre-tax wages to encourage people to use public transport
and thereby lower carbon emissions in our cities?
I have not, but I would be happy to discuss the hon. Gentleman’s
concept. I am very interested in what he says.
(Middlesbrough) (Lab)
Bus services are in crisis. Since 2010, over 3,000 routes have
been cut, fares have risen twice as fast as wages and bus use is
in freefall. Last month, the cross-party Select Committee on
Transport published a report on bus services in England outside
London that recommended how to end this crisis, including
allowing all local authorities to regulate or own their local bus
services, providing concessions to young people and boosting
funding. The report was led by the evidence. Will the Secretary
of State listen to that evidence, accept the recommendations and
make them Government policy?
Of course we will be responding to the report shortly, but if the
hon. Gentleman looks across the country, he will see that the
place where bus mileage has been falling fastest is in
Labour-controlled Wales. Actually, there has been a small
increase in the number of routes during my time as Secretary of
State. The Government are committed to supporting new, innovative
ways to expand bus utilisation, which is why we support the
demand-responsive services that are emerging across the country
and are committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible
choice for passengers.
The hon. Gentleman referred to the powers under the 2017 Act, and
in my time as Secretary of State, I have not received a single
proposal or request to introduce bus franchising under that Act.
Notwithstanding that fact, I would be happy to do so if I saw
evidence that it would improve passenger services.
East Coast Main Line: New Trains
(York Outer) (Con)
8. What progress he has made on the roll-out of new trains for
the east coast main line. [911325]
The Secretary of State for Transport (Chris Grayling)
A comment was made earlier about investment in the north, and the
Azuma trains, which will shortly be running to the north-east and
Scotland and are already running in Leeds, are a huge investment
in transport connections to the north. They will reduce journey
times, and alongside that, the substantial multi-hundred million
pound investment that we are putting into the east coast main
line will improve journey times, too. That is another sign of
this Government’s commitment to providing better transport links
in and for the north.
I welcome that answer. The Secretary of State is right that the
introduction of the new Azuma trains is an exciting development
for the city of York, given the importance of the east coast main
line to our great city, but can he assure me that we will have no
further delays in their introduction? There have been signalling
problems north of York, and the Azuma trains will be arriving in
York on 1 August.
My understanding is that those trains are on track to start
running as targeted at the start of August and will be going to
Scotland later this year. They will deliver a transformative
experience—more seats and faster, better journeys for people
travelling from Scotland in the north to London and within the
north, between places such as York and Newcastle. This is a
really important investment.
Mr (Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
I hope that history will be kind about the right hon. Gentleman’s
contribution to transport in our country. These trains were
promised last December, and they are still not properly in
service. When will we get them? Is he not concentrating totally
on that waste of money called HS2, which is squandering the
national treasure?
It is interesting that when I speak to civic leaders in the
north, they all talk enthusiastically about HS2. The new trains
are already operating and have been for several weeks. They have
been operating, as intended, initially on the route to Leeds;
they will start on the route to York, Newcastle and Edinburgh
shortly; and later this year and/or early next year they will be
in operation right the way up through Scotland. This is a huge
investment in better transport for people all the way up the east
coast.
Public Transport: London
(Chipping Barnet)
(Con)
9. What recent discussions he has had with the Mayor of London on
the provision of public transport in the capital. [911326]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Michael
Ellis)
Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor. Ministers and
officials in the Department for Transport hold regular
discussions with representatives of the Greater London Authority,
including the Mayor and deputy Mayor, on a range of transport
matters.
Will the Minister speak to the Mayor of London to urge him to
reverse the reductions in service to the end of the Northern
line, which sees more trains turning back at Finchley Central,
thereby requiring people to change trains?
I am sorry to say that the Mayor of London is letting Londoners
down in transport. He has cancelled investment projects that are
his responsibility, cut bus and underground services and axed an
extension to the Metropolitan line, despite the Government
loaning £2.6 million to the Mayor through our Department. I am
appalled that, despite that loan, is letting Londoners down.
(Newcastle upon Tyne Central)
(Lab) rose—
Mr Speaker
Let us hear Newcastle’s view on the Mayor of London and the city
of London.
In those discussions with the Mayor of London, will the Minister
seek his advice on why it costs more to take a bus four stops up
the West road in Newcastle than it does to travel across the
entire Greater London area? Will he advise the Minister for buses
to apply that to the rest of the country, rather than cutting
three quarters of a billion pounds from annual bus services?
One reason why the Mayor of London has a black hole in his budget
is that he has not been running transport services properly. I am
sure that the hon. Lady’s area will be doing a better job and
will hope to do a better job.
Network Rail: Accountability
(Great Grimsby) (Lab)
10. What steps he is taking to ensure the accountability of
Network Rail to its customers. [911327]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Andrew
Jones)
The Department sets the strategy for Network Rail. Its priority
is to deliver a safe and efficient railway for passengers,
freight customers and the taxpayer. The Secretary of State and I
meet regularly with Network Rail on its financial performance and
progress against the aims set out in its delivery plan. The
“Putting Passengers First” programme is built around issues
facing the industry. We are engaging with Network Rail as it
implements this programme.
Can the Minister tell me of any other publicly funded body that
provides a service to 500 people every day that can decide to
close that service, as Network Rail has with the Suggitt’s Lane
crossing, without any consultation whatsoever?
We had a very good debate on the Suggitt’s Lane level crossing
only last week in Westminster Hall. Network Rail is accountable
to the Secretary of State, but that does not mean that we can
interfere or overrule its operational decisions. However, I have
undertaken to meet Network Rail to ensure that it is aware of the
views of the hon. Lady and my hon. Friend the Member for
Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers). I met with some of the people who
had travelled down from the area to understand their views and
will ensure that Network Rail is fully sighted on those views.
(Corby) (Con)
Network Rail made a mistake when it demolished the Leyland
bridge, which links my constituency and that of my hon. Friend
the Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone). I am pleased to say
that, with the Minister’s help, it is going to be rebuilt, but
will he help us to keep the pressure up and ensure that those
works are completed as soon as possible?
I will be happy to keep up the pressure. I recognise what a
long-standing issue this is for my hon. Friend’s area and how
hard he has campaigned on it, and I would be very happy to help.
(Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)
The Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line is a successful train service, but
future improvements will require joint working between the Welsh
Government, Network Rail and the Department for Transport, so
will the Minister agree to meet me to help to secure extra
investment for this crucial Valleys line?
I will of course happily meet the hon. Gentleman. The “Putting
Passengers First” programme is all about greater collaboration
and customer focus in the industry. I am happy to take that
matter forward with the hon. Gentleman.
(Cleethorpes) (Con)
As the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Melanie Onn) pointed out,
and as the Minister is well aware, residents in Grimsby and
Cleethorpes are very angry about the closure of Suggitt’s Lane
level crossing. I appreciate the Minister’s help and assistance,
but the reality is that there is no real accountability on this
issue. If the community cannot hold Network Rail to account
through their elected representatives, surely it is now time to
look again at the existing legislation.
My hon. Friend has campaigned vigorously on this issue, and I
know that he chaired a meeting on 31 May between Network Rail and
North East Lincolnshire Council to discuss the issue and options
for alternative provision, with specific reference to the Fuller
Street bridge. I understand that Network Rail has agreed in
principle to contribute to the enhancement of that bridge, should
it prove viable. The key point is to make sure that the views of
all those involved are considered and that we come to a happy
conclusion as quickly as possible. I am happy to work with all
sides to help to achieve a positive outcome.
(Glasgow East) (SNP)
One thing that would help with Network Rail accountability would
be the devolution of that responsibility to the Scottish
Government. If the Conservative party is committed to devolution
and strengthening the United Kingdom, when will it devolve
control of Network Rail to the Scottish Government?
Devolution was not recommended as part of the broader review of
powers, but I will of course make sure that the hon. Gentleman’s
views are considered by the Williams rail review.
Taxi Services
(Sheffield Central)
(Lab)
12. What steps his Department is taking to improve the (a) safety
and (b) regulation of taxi services. [911329]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Ms
Nusrat Ghani)
My Department is considering the responses to the consultation on
draft statutory guidance, to be issued to licensing authorities,
on how they should use their extensive existing powers to protect
children and vulnerable adults when using taxis and private hire
vehicles. The response to the report by the task and finish group
on taxi and private-hire vehicle licensing committed the
Government—I am keen to do this—to bring forward legislation to
enable national minimum standards in licensing, enable greater
enforcement powers and establish a national licensing database to
assist in the sharing of relevant information.
The task and finish group to which the Minister refers made its
recommendation last September. Five months later, the
Government’s response was only that they would consider the
recommendation. A further four months on, in a reply to a written
question last week, the Minister could say only that they would
continue to carefully consider the issue, with a view to
legislating—you could not make this up, Mr Speaker—“when time
allows”. Given the chaos of this Government, we have all the
legislative time in the world. When are they going to act?
Ms Ghani
I can see that the hon. Gentleman is as keen as I am to legislate
in this area. We responded to say that we would be looking at
national minimum standards, national enforcement powers and a
national licensing database. I really am keen to move forward on
this issue as soon as I can, and I am just waiting for the most
appropriate time to do so.
(Cambridge) (Lab)
The Minister knows what I am going to say, but I am going to
surprise her, because this week, thanks to Steve McNamara and the
Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, I had the chance to drive one
of the wonderful new electric cabs in London. Is it conceivable
that London will manage to electrify its taxis before the
Government manage to bring forward the legislation?
Ms Ghani
I never want to lose out to the Mayor of London, so I hope that
that is not the case. Greener taxis are on the agenda. Not only
has the hon. Gentleman been incredibly supportive of this issue,
but he has guided me in the putting together of our response to
the task and finish group. As he knows, I really am keen to try
to secure a date, and the fact that the matter has been mentioned
multiple times this morning will help me to do so.
Weekday Train Services: Kettering
Mr (Kettering) (Con)
13. What estimate he has made of the number of weekday train
services northbound from Kettering on the main line under the (a)
existing and (b) new train franchise. [911331]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Andrew
Jones)
Currently, on average, two East Midlands trains per hour call at
Kettering northbound on weekdays, with one going to Corby and one
to Nottingham. From December 2020, double the number of trains
will call at Kettering: two will be on a dedicated St Pancras to
Corby service and two will be on the long-distance Nottingham
service.
Mr Hollobone
Kettering is a well-used, popular station with rising passenger
numbers. Will the Minister confirm when electrification will
arrive at Kettering and what other benefits to passengers there
will be from the new train franchise?
The roll-out of the midland main line electrification is
obviously a key project, and I will keep the House posted on its
progress. I can inform my hon. Friend that the station will get
many new benefits from the East Midlands franchise. They will
include station wi-fi, LED lighting and help points. There will
be improved lay-out and a bus interchange, a multimodal customer
information system, drinking water fountains, customer lounges,
refurbished toilets, new cafés, customer waiting areas, a
third-party west side station entrance development, 60 new secure
cycle spaces, six electric vehicle charging points, ANPR car park
technology, 200 additional car park spaces and air quality
monitors. Basically, it is all happening at Kettering station.
Mr Speaker
Indeed, and no one knows how to excite and inspire better than
the Minister. We will now hear from North Ayrshire and Arran,
apparently in relation to matters Kettering. The mind boggles,
but we are about to be enlightened.
(North Ayrshire and Arran)
(SNP)
There is an issue that will, I am sure, have great importance for
the people of Kettering, as it will for the people of Scotland.
Fifty four per cent of delays and cancellations in Scotland are
down to issues with Network Rail, and I am sure that the people
of Kettering have a similar story to tell. Given that the
respected think-tank Reform Scotland has said that the devolution
of Network Rail to Holyrood would be a major step forward in
integrating the Scottish transport network, why does the Minister
not agree with Reform Scotland?
That was a very entrepreneurial link, Mr Speaker. As soon as the
Scottish Government start using the powers that they have, they
will be more credible when they ask for more.
Rail Connectivity: North-West
(Southport) (Con)
15. What steps he has taken to increase rail connectivity between
coastal communities and cities in the north-west. [911333]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Andrew
Jones)
Northern is now running an extra 2,000 services per week compared
with two years ago and is introducing major improvements for its
customers, including 101 brand new trains, which will be
operating on the network from this summer. This is part of a
major programme of rail investment across the north, which will
see room for more than 40,000 passengers at the busiest times and
will help transform the rail experience for coastal communities
travelling into the cities.
The hourly service from Southport to Manchester Piccadilly is
absolutely vital for residents and businesses in Southport. Will
my hon. Friend and the Department for Transport join Network Rail
in supporting my bid to restore the hourly service from Southport
to Manchester Piccadilly in the December 2019 timetable?
My hon. Friend is a great champion of rail services in his area,
just as he was of the Access for All bid for Hillside station. I
appreciate how vital it is to have regular and reliable train
services. I am aware that an additional service was added in the
May ’19 timetable, and we are working on an extra service for
December. Obviously, I am very happy to keep the pressure up and
will keep him posted as we make progress.
Public Transport: Disabled People
(Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP)
16. What steps he is taking to ensure that public transport is
accessible to disabled people. [911334]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Ms
Nusrat Ghani)
In July 2018, my Department published the inclusive transport
strategy. Our ambition is to create a transport system that
provides equal access for disabled people by 2030, and to ensure
that disabled people can travel confidently, easily and without
extra cost. The Department is making good progress delivering on
the many commitments set out in the strategy, and I will be
providing a one-year report to Parliament in the summer.
With responses to the consultation on audiovisual announcements
on buses now received, what steps are being taken to see that
this happens, and when can we finally expect to see the
Government deliver on talking buses?
Ms Ghani
Audiovisual is incredibly important, and they should be delivered
by 2020. We want to make sure that our buses are accessible,
convenient and as cheap as they can be, and this new bit of
technology will enable them to be so.
(Edinburgh West) (LD)
Buses are not the only form of public transport with
accessibility problems. It is still a huge issue for disabled
people to get on and off airplanes. I have had constituents tell
me that they have been literally manhandled on to flights. Even
though airports are accessible, the airlines themselves still
have a problem, and often people are left bruised and humiliated.
Will the Minister meet me to talk about how we can encourage
airlines to do something about that?
Ms Ghani
Absolutely. And that should not be the case. We have put together
a really good inclusive transport strategy that sets out how
passengers can be treated appropriately in all elements of their
travel, and the airports should be doing much better. There is an
aviation strategy, and there is also quite a big chunk in the
inclusive transport strategy. I am more than happy to sit down
with the hon. Lady.
(Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
(SNP)
I was one of the MPs who was happy to support Guide Dog’s talking
buses campaign. I even took a trip on a bus blindfold to
experience the travel difficulties. It is now two years since Bus
Services Act 2017 was passed, and the Government are still
stalling on the roll-out of audiovisual information. All we need
is secondary legislation, so can we please have a timetable for
when that secondary legislation will be brought forward?
Ms Ghani
We are dealing with the responses to the consultation and I will
update the House as soon as I can. The hon. Gentleman can rest
assured—I chaired the all-party parliamentary group on sight loss
and I am very close to this issue. I want to make sure that buses
are accessible to people with all sorts of disabilities.
Bus Services: England
(Blackley and Broughton)
(Lab)
20. What plans he has to improve bus services in England.
[911338]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Ms
Nusrat Ghani)
The Bus Services Act 2017 provides the tools that local
authorities need, such as enhanced partnerships and franchising,
to improve local bus services. We are working with interested
local authorities to determine which of the powers provided are
best able to support bus networks in their areas. We are also
ensuring that pioneering technology, such as the forthcoming bus
open data digital service, can overhaul bus services across
England and give passengers the information they need to travel
with confidence.
When Nicholas Ridley deregulated bus services nearly a third of a
century ago, he promised that bus services would increase and be
used by more passengers. Actually, bus deregulation has been a
catastrophe and a disaster for the travelling public. Is not the
answer to this question absolutely obvious—that the Government
should encourage and allow all local authorities in England to
re-regulate their services?
Ms Ghani
Unfortunately, the hon. Gentleman is painting an unrealistic
picture. Up and down the country, there are varying numbers of
bus passengers. In Bristol, bus passenger numbers are up by 50%
and in south Gloucestershire they are up by 36%. We need to put a
package of items together to encourage people to use buses. There
is the ability to have either franchising or enhanced
partnerships that allow local authorities to have a stronger and
better relationship with bus companies.
Mr Speaker
On this question, .
(Easington) (Lab)
21. Several Members have referred to the health of the bus
market. What steps is the Minister taking to address the specific
issues of the recruitment and retention of bus drivers, as
highlighted in the Transport Committee’s report, and,
particularly, of safety, with regard to the Bill being promoted
by my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt
Western)? [911339]
Ms Ghani
Safety is absolutely key. We know that the driver’s relationship
with the passengers is what motivates most people to jump on a
bus, especially if they have issues to do with disability. I will
be responding shortly to the Transport Committee’s report on
buses.
Topical Questions
(Sheffield Central)
(Lab)
T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental
responsibilities. [911341]
The Secretary of State for Transport (Chris Grayling)
Given the Government’s announcement yesterday about our
commitment to pursuing a net zero strategy for carbon emissions,
it might be helpful to set out three ways in which my Department
is playing its part in taking this forward.
We are now awarding funding for innovative new ideas to transform
the railways. I have already mentioned the first operating
hydrogen train, but we are putting together a package of
additional measures, which are being announced today, to upgrade
the technology on the rail system. The Government car service is
already taking steps to decarbonise its fleet. I will be
encouraging other Government Departments to get their agencies
that have fleets to do the same. This summer, we will be
publishing our clean maritime plan setting out our role as a
global leader in tackling the whole issue of carbon emissions in
the maritime sector.
After the May 2018 timetable changes, I raised with Ministers the
way that direct London to Sheffield train services have been
sacrificed in order to improve local services for London and the
south-east. The latest timetable makes minor changes but no
improvements. We still have too few early evening services and
longer average journey times than 14 months ago. In the week that
northern newspapers launched their Power Up The North campaign,
what message does the Secretary of State think that sends, and
what is he going to do about it?
The message it sends is that we have been very clear that while
we are going through the process of upgrading the midland main
line, there will be some effects on services. However, I am sure
that the hon. Gentleman will welcome the improvements that have
just been completed at Market Harborough—one of the big parts of
the programme of upgrading the route. Derby station was another
part completed fairly recently. This is designed to improve
journey times to Sheffield as part of a commitment to transport
both to his area and the whole of the north.
(Chipping Barnet)
(Con)
T2. The Mayor and Transport for London have been consulting on
major changes to the bus network in London. Will the Secretary of
State urge the Mayor to drop his plans to remove the 384 bus
route from many roads in New Barnet and the Bevan estate?
[911342]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Ms
Nusrat Ghani)
As my right hon. Friend will know, decisions on bus routes are
down to the Mayor of London. I think he needs to focus on
delivering for Londoners and not just faffing around trying to
take selfies. He should be spending more time with Londoners to
understand exactly the sort of bus services they need and which
journeys they need to take.
(York Central)
(Lab/Co-op)
With transport emissions accounting for 29% of all toxic
emissions released in the UK, and at a time when Labour has
declared that climate change is an existential threat to our
nation and planet, will the Secretary of State for Transport tell
the House why he has failed to undertake a full environmental
audit of road investment strategy 2—the most ecologically and
environmentally damaging road building programme for a
generation?
We have another example of the Labour party’s war on the
motorist. The hon. Lady should understand that the more congested
our roads are, the higher the emissions. We cannot destroy our
economy and get rid of our roads. We have to decarbonise road
transport, but we also have to ensure that our roads flow
smoothly. Those on the Labour Benches do not get that. They want
to scrap road improvements, and they want more traffic jams.
Those traffic jams increase emissions. The Labour party just does
not get it.
The Secretary of State may think that that answer gets him off
the hook, but when road transport accounts for 69% of transport
emissions, and air pollution claims 50,000 lives prematurely, he
should be less complacent.
UK roads killed or seriously injured 27,000 people, including
2,000 children, last year. It is the most dangerous mode of
travel. Why does the Secretary of State not invest in developing
a sustainable, integrated public transport strategy, including
active travel, as Labour would, instead of this catastrophe of a
road building project?
We now know the truth: the Labour party is going to be
anti-motorist. It is going to be anti-road improvements. It is
going to set itself against the things we are doing to try to
boost our economy in all parts of the country, through
connections to our ports and better motorway links, unlocking the
economic potential of places like west Cumbria. Labour does not
care. We will continue our work to decarbonise our car fleet and
support the development of new technology in buses, for example.
We also have the biggest investment programme in the railways
since the steam age. Labour has no ideas, and just wants to go to
war with the motorist.
(North Warwickshire)
(Con)
T8. I welcome the consultation on a bored tunnel under junction
10 of the M42, which was announced in last week’s HS2 route
refinement document, but it includes a new permanent maintenance
facility in the village of Austrey. What steps can the Minister
take to reduce the impact of that facility on the community, who
are already much impacted by HS2? [911350]
Ms Ghani
I know that my hon. Friend has been a great champion of his
constituency and has been liaising closely with HS2 Ltd. The
infrastructure maintenance base that is proposed near Austrey is
expected to have a minimal impact on the village when
operational, because of its proposed location between the HS2
main line and the village. The site was also chosen because it
will involve only limited movements of earth during construction.
We expect HS2 Ltd to work to refine the route, to reduce
environmental impacts. Where impacts are inevitable, HS2 Ltd will
design plans for mitigation. Those plans are still in development
and will be reported in the formal environmental statement, which
will be deposited alongside the phase 2b hybrid Bill. If my hon.
Friend requires a meeting so that I can flesh this out, I am more
than happy to do that.
(Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP)
T3. Step-free access at railway stations is still the
responsibility of Network Rail, which, sadly, is not responsible
to the Scottish Government. Currently, only 40 of over 350
railway stations in Scotland have step-free access. Is that not
another reason why it is so important to see the devolution of
Network Rail, so that this unacceptable situation can finally be
resolved? [911343]
Ms Ghani
There is a £300 million step-free access programme. I do not
recognise the hon. Gentleman’s complaint, because 73 further
stations were identified in Scotland to get step-free access
between 2019 and 2024.
(South Basildon and East
Thurrock) (Con)
Stanford Coachworks in my constituency is a small, successful
engineering business, building minibuses and luxury coaches.
However, before its vehicles can be deemed roadworthy, they need
to be inspected by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. At
present, the availability and frequency of tests falls well below
the demand, threatening the viability of the business. Will my
right hon. Friend agree to meet me, so that I can explain this in
detail and we can see what can be done to improve the situation?
We will certainly arrange a meeting for my hon. Friend with a
Minister—either me or the roads Minister—to address the issue. I
should say that this does appear to be a problem in his area,
rather than one that is universal around the country, but we do
not want to see any business suffering as a result, and we will
certainly work with him to address the problem.
(Great Grimsby) (Lab)
T4. May I ask how many doctors the Driver and Vehicle Licensing
Agency employs, because they seem to think that they know better
than my HGV drivers’ doctors when it comes to removing their
licences? Too often, this is impacting on the drivers’
livelihoods, and it needs my intervention for the DVLA to take
any notice. It should not be like that, should it? [911345]
I understand the point the hon. Lady is making because I have had
similar issues in my own constituency. A principle that has been
adopted both by her party when it was in government and by us is
that, when assessing a person’s medical condition, it is not
right or fair to go to their own GP because of the specific
relationship that exists between an individual and their
GP—whether that be an assessment for welfare entitlements or an
assessment for a driving licence. We will always, as a
ministerial team, work with Members across the House, if there
are examples of individuals who have been hard done by as a
result of a decision that is wrong, to see if we can get the
situation at least reviewed.
(York Outer) (Con)
May I have an update on City of York Council’s bid through the
major road network fund for dualling the York northern ring road?
Will the new roads Minister meet me to discuss this matter and
the levels of congestion that are causing huge concern to my
constituents?
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Michael
Ellis)
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend, and I look forward to
doing so to discuss that matter.
(Broxtowe) (Change UK)
T5. I campaigned against a 60 foot viaduct that HS2 Ltd was
planning to build through the village of Trowell to deliver HS2.
I am pleased that it has abandoned that plan, but its
alternative, which is a cutting that means 20 more homes will be
demolished, does not solve the problem of the real economic and
environmental damage that will be caused. The alternative and
best way to deliver HS2, including the east midlands hub at Toton
sidings, is a tunnel. Will the Secretary of State or a Minister—I
do not mind who—meet me to discuss the merits of a tunnel as the
best way to deliver all the benefits of HS2 to Broxtowe? [911346]
Ms Ghani
I know the right hon. Lady will use every opportunity to
campaign, even through petitioning, to ensure that the voices of
her constituents are heard. HS2 is committed to ensuring that it
mitigates any impact and to working with local communities, but I
am of course more than happy to sit down with the right hon. Lady
and those from her communities to discuss this.
(Corby) (Con)
I am delighted to see the excellent new Minister in his place. As
a Northamptonshire MP, he will know the stretch of the A45
between Stanwick and Thrapston that the Government are committed
to dualling. The environmental study to unlock that project was
supposed to be carried out during the current roads period, but
it has not yet been completed. Will he put his foot on the
accelerator to make sure that that work is done to unlock this
dualling?
I will very much look into this matter. It is interesting to note
that Labour Front Benchers would not be supporting this
environmental plan. They are the ones who are engaging in a war
on the motorist. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to have a
look at the A45, because I know that that road has issues. It is
about time Labour accepted that this Government’s investment in
roads is something they should be duplicating, not resiling from.
Mr (Coventry South) (Lab)
T6. The Minister has previously indicated that the Government
will bring forward legislation to improve the safety and
regulation of the taxi trade when time allows. Can the Minister
tell us when exactly that legislation will be brought before the
House, or are we faced with another legislative crash—for want of
a better term? [911347]
Ms Ghani
I am just as eager as the hon. Gentleman to legislate in this
area, considering the amount of work done by the task and finish
group. Our commitment is to make sure that standards are raised,
security is dealt with and that national enforcement officers
ensure, regardless of where people are in the country, that they
are getting into a cab with a driver who has had a standardised
background check and has met the threshold for safety and
security. I cannot give any more detail right now, but I am
pleased that so many Members are as eager as I am to legislate on
this issue.
(Cleethorpes) (Con)
Earlier this week, the all-party group on bioethanol issued its
interim report on the availability of E10. This issue has been
dragging on for very many years. May I urge the Minister to come
to an early decision, after studying this report?
In principle, we intend to go ahead with the introduction of E10.
It has to be subject to appropriate consultations. We have been
particularly mindful of the impact on older vehicles, which are
often owned by those on low incomes. However, it is the right
thing to do, particularly given the environmental challenges we
face, and we are now going through the process of moving towards
its introduction.
(Kensington) (Lab)
T7. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the
right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson)
about his views on the expansion of Heathrow? What steps will the
Department take to prepare for a Government U-turn in that area,
given that the right hon. Gentleman has committed to lying down
in front of bulldozers to stop his own Government’s policy?
[911349]
This House voted overwhelmingly to give Heathrow airport the
go-ahead for the next stage of its plans for expansion, and I
expect the will of Parliament to be followed in the future.
Several hon. Members rose—
Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)
Order. If we have brief questions and brief answers, I will
attempt to give everybody who is still standing the opportunity
to speak.
Mr (Kettering) (Con)
In congratulating my Northamptonshire neighbour on his elevation
to greatness as the Minister for roads, may I point out that the
most important item on his desk is the introduction of civil
parking enforcement in Kettering? When will a statutory
instrument be introduced to implement that scheme?
I am pleased to see Northamptonshire so well represented in the
Chamber, as it always is. The Department for Transport has been
working with my hon. Friend on that plan regarding legal powers
for civil parking enforcement in Kettering. A lot of work has
been done, and more still needs to be done by Kettering Borough
Council and Northamptonshire County Council, but with my hon.
Friend on the case, I feel sure that progress will soon be made.
We are hoping that those powers will be available early in 2020.
(Barnsley Central) (Lab)
Chris Boardman in Greater Manchester and Sarah Storey in South
Yorkshire are demonstrating the value that active travel
commissioners add to the promotion of cycling and walking.
Although a series of initiatives have helped people to get on
their bikes and get out walking, we now need a long-term
programme of investment. Does the Minister agree, and if so, what
plans can we expect to be brought forward?
As the hon. Gentleman knows, almost £2 billion will have been
invested in cycling and walking over the course of the
Parliament. Spending on cycling and walking in England has
doubled from £3.50 per head to around £7 per head over this
spending review period, which is as it should be. Cycling is a
highly positive thing for physical fitness, mental health and
wellbeing and, of course, the environment. We continue to invest
in a way that the previous Government never did.
(Kingston upon Hull North)
(Lab)
The weekend papers contained a striking photograph of £1
billion-worth of Crossrail trains sitting idly in the sidings.
Some 479 drivers are not being used, which I understand costs £25
million a year, and £17 billion has been spent on Crossrail
stations that currently have no trains going through them.
Meanwhile, why does it take months and months to get any action
from TransPennine Express in Hull to replace signs that are
covered with gaffer tape? Why do we still have pacer trains, and
why was the electrification cancelled?
The hon. Lady will know that in the north large numbers of brand
new trains are being tested and prepared for launch. She talks
about new trains in London, but there are new trains in London,
the north, the midlands, the south-west, the east coast main
line, and the Great Western main line, as part of a massive
investment by this Government in the railways and in better
trains across the whole country, including her constituency.
(Keighley) (Lab)
Is it time that Transport for the North got the same powers as
Transport for London—namely the ability to determine spending
priorities in the region without all final decisions being made
in Whitehall?
The hon. Gentleman is arguing for the abolition of Transport for
Greater Manchester, Nexus, and all the rest. Transport for London
oversees the buses, and runs metro rail systems and its local
Overground rail system. Those powers already exist in the cities
of the north, and the hon. Gentleman appears to argue that those
cities should lose those powers, which should be moved to
Transport for the North. I do not think that is the right thing
to do.
(Dunfermline and West
Fife) (SNP)
I do not know whether anyone on the Government Front Bench
managed to get to the electric scooter demonstration yesterday
that was provided by Bird, but such initiatives can encourage a
modal shift and get people out of their cars. Will the Minister
consider legislation to open up the use of electric scooters on
our roads, and help us to achieve our climate change targets?
We will always look carefully at new technologies, but any new
technologies introduced on and around our roads need to be safe.
We need to be confident that they will continue to be safe for
not only those who use them, but those around them.
(Brentford and Isleworth)
(Lab)
I refer to the Secretary of State’s response to the question from
my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington (Emma Dent Coad) on
runway three. I will effectively try again. Given that the
Government have now followed the Opposition in committing to net
zero carbon emissions by 2050, surely the Secretary of State must
see that Parliament might now vote a different way on a project
that emits 6 million tonnes of carbon emissions per annum and
provides zero net benefit to the UK economy?
I am afraid I simply do not accept that the latter point is true.
This Parliament voted, by a majority of nearly 300, to give the
go-ahead to a project that I personally believe is of key
strategic importance to the United Kingdom over the coming
decades. I think that says it all.
(Cambridge) (Lab)
Whether it is electric scooters or dockless bike schemes,
technology moves so much more quickly that the Department for
Transport. After years and years, will the Secretary of State
finally do something about dockless bike schemes, and help our
local authorities respond to the changes?
This Department leads the way internationally on transport issues
and is a world leader in considering our carbon emissions,
cycling, walking and active travel. The Department is a world
leader in these fields.
