§ Mr. Wallerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the involvement of his Department in the development of the Transpotech electronic road pricing system.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe Hong Kong authorities, knowing of previous work on road pricing techniques carried out by my Department, approached officials early in 1982 for advice on implementing an electronic read pricing system. After further discussions they asked my Department to arrange for Transpotech to prepare a detailed proposal for a pilot project, and this was submitted earlier this year.
I am pleased to report that Transpotech has now entered into a £3.5 million agreement for the work. Staff from this Department have been seconded to Transpotech and four British companies are supplying equipment and expertise.