§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he proposes to review the designated road network and the associated procedures under which London boroughs notify his Department of traffic management proposals affecting designated roads.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyDepartment of Transport circular No. 4–86 sets out the manner in which a London borough council should notify my Department of any proposals to use powers which would affect traffic or the use of parking places on a designated road. It states that the arrangements will be reviewed after a suitable period.
I intend to review the extent of the designated road network and the associated procedures later in the year when the results of a full 12 months of their operation will be available.
I shall consult local authorities and organisations concerned with the movement of traffic in London before making any changes.
§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many designated road proposals from London borough councils have been received which involve closure of a local road; and what were his decisions.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyI have received 21 proposals from London borough councils for traffic management schemes involving road closures aimed at removing through traffic from residential areas. I have approved eight schemes. I look forward to receiving further information on six schemes before I can take a decision. In seven cases I objected to the proposals because, although sympathising with the aims of the scheme, I considered that they would not facilitate the movement of traffic on the designated roads concerned. In all such cases I am always willing to consider sympathetically any other proposal which would not increase congestion on the designated roads in the area.