HC Deb 10 June 1985 vol 80 c626
5. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the progress being made by local authorities in providing improved facilities for cyclists; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

I am encouraged by the progress being made by many local authorities, but facilities need to be accompanied by constant attention to safety on the part of all road users.

Mr. Dormand

Is the Minister aware that there is a growing desire among local authorities to provide facilities for cycling, but that they are unable to do so because of the Government's restrictive policies concerning local government finance?

As the Minister is such an enthusiast for cycling, will she say what action she is taking to try to end the contradictory situation in which the Government are urging local authorities to do something and are then preventing them from acting because they do not have the money to do it?

Mrs. Chalker

It would be wrong for us to dictate to local authorities exactly what, within the overall highways budget, their priorities should be. Every year they are asked to submit a transport policy and programme in which they are invited to give their criteria for cycling schemes. I shall be happy to note those and respond to such TPPs through the TSG. It is, of course, up to local councillors to decide what their priorities are within the overall highways budget.

Mr. Forman

My hon. Friend referred in her first answer to provision for safety, which is obviously very important. As a cyclist, I can assure my hon. Friend that it would help greatly if the Government were to make early progress with legislation dealing with motor vehicle emissions and black smoke from buses and lorries. That is one of the most unpleasant aspects of cycling in urban areas.

Mrs. Chalker

I agree with my hon. Friend about emissions from vehicles which are not properly maintained. The traffic examiners have a right to stop such vehicles. With our speedy progress towards lead-free fuel, we shall certainly make progress in the next few years.