HC Deb 29 March 1972 vol 834 cc412-4
14. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with local authorities about urban transport systems, including computer controlled vehicles, monorails, pedestrian conveyors and travellators; and in which cities and towns he is considering the possibility of operating prototype and experimental systems.

Mr. Peyton

The Transport and Road Research Laboratory has over the past year discussed with a number of authorities the scope for possible applications of such systems as part of the continuing appraisal of various means of urban transport. I have no immediate plans for experimental schemes in cities. Such projects could only follow an assessment of the results of the studies which have been launched.

Mr. Osborn

Is it not a fact that it is four years since we had the Kings Norton Report on cars in cities? Are we not now faced with increased congestion from passenger and other motor vehicles in provincial cities as well as in London? Can my right hon. Friend say with which provincial cities he has held preliminary discussions and what has been the nature of the discussions held with Sheffield in particular?

Mr. Peyton

I would prefer to write to my hon. Friend about the latter part of his question. As to the general issue he has raised, I certainly acknowledge that it is important. It is a subject demanding careful preparation before large sums of money are laid out on what might be rather speculative projects.

Mr. Bob Brown

Since the right hon. Gentleman is on record as having talked about the need to improve urban environment and urban life, can he gives us an assurance that the proposals from the Tyneside Passenger Transport Authority for a new tube route through the city will receive early consideration and the maximum possible grant?

Mr. Peyton

In answer to the first part of the question, "Yes, Sir." I would not like to promise the maximum grant at this moment.

26. Mr. Michael Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to improve the working of public transport, especially buses, in urban areas by selectively deterring other traffic; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peyton

Local authorities must decide for themselves on the best mix of public and private transport to meet local needs. If that involves deterring certain classes of vehicle, they already have powers to do so.

Mr. Roberts

Would my right hon. Friend agree that there is growing anger and impatience at the spectacle of our city centres being cluttered up by cars and vans emitting poisonous fumes? Cannot he publish without delay his Department's study of urban traffic problems?

Mr. Peyton

Yes, the urban motorway report will be expected this year. I think I must say to my hon. Friend that while I entirely share the view he has expressed I believe that there is a great responsibility upon local authorities, which have very great powers. Much depends upon their initiative. They will certainly have the support of my Department.

Mr. Mulley

While accepting that there is a responsibility upon local authorities may I ask the Minister to consider whether he could give any more guidance to local authorities, perhaps in some cases financial help and in others technical assistance, because in many cases for a relatively small outlay really good traffic management schemes, with priority lanes for public transport, can have beneficial advantages out of proportion to the cost? I think the right hon. Gentleman knows that the former Minister of Transport issued such advice.

Mr. Peyton

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. I think he is entirely right in what he has said. The Government attached considerable importance to that advice and to imaginative schemes and we are currently looking at proposals about how these could be improved.