§ 18. Mr. Bryan DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to increase the use of public transport in urban areas.
§ Mr. FreemanWe are encouraging the use of public transport through our policies of deregulation, privatisation and competition. We are making resources available to local authorities for investment in public transport improvements: these range from the major light rail projects in Manchester and Sheffield to bus priority measures across the country. We have said that we will not build new roads to assist car commuting into town centres. We have introduced the package approach, which invites local authorities to develop balanced transport strategies for their areas and we have published planning policy guidance note 13, which encourages the location of new development where it can be served by public transport.
§ 20. Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he proposes to promote public transport integration and reductions in cost to the passenger.
§ Mr. FreemanDeregulating public transport and increasing opportunities for the private sector represent the best policies for improving services to the passenger. We are pursuing a range of measures along these lines.