§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the proportion of cars in, entering or leaving central London in peak hours whose total running costs are not met wholly by the taxable income of their owners or drivers; and what are the comparable figures available since 1980.
§ Mr. NorrisA survey conducted in 1989 found that 85 per cent. of cars entering central London during the morning peak (7 to 10 am) received some form of travel assistance from their company or employer for the journey being undertaken. Comparable figures from surveys conducted by the GLC in 1982 and 1985 are 74 per cent. and 78 per cent. respectively. The types of assistance received in 1989 are shown in the following table.
Type of travel assistance received for car journeys to central London during the morning peak (7–10 am): 1989 Per cent. Percentage receiving any form of travel assistance: 85 Type of assistance received (per cent.)1 Parking space provided 50 Parking charges fully or partly paid 25 Mileage allowance 8 Self-employed tax relief or company allowance 8 Fuel costs fully or partly paid 38 None 15 1 Percentages sum to more than 100 because more than one form of assistance may be provided.