Cones Hotline (Hansard, 17 January 1995)

§ Mr. Watts

This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 17 January 1995:

You asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest calculation of the total number of calls to the Cones Hotline that (a) required the removal of cones and (b) did not justify action; and what was the total cost of the Cones Hotline.

As this is an operational matter for the Highways Agency, I have been asked to reply.

The Cones Hotline has currently received 12,100 calls since its inception in June 1992. Of these, 6,100 cases have been complaints about observations on cones and traffic management at roadworks which have been followed up by the relevant regional office. As a consequence of this follow up action, there have been 5 cases where it has been necessary to remove the traffic management. The remaining calls have comprised general enquiries and requests for information which have been dealt with immediately.

Since March 1994, the Cones Hotline has operated on a dedicated local call rate number. The cost of running the Cones Hotline is approximately £5000 per annum, including call charges. Other running costs are not separately identifiable since they have been, and are still being, met from within budgets agreed before the Hotline was established.

I hope this information is helpful.