HC Deb 04 March 1997 vol 291 cc545-6W
Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of total expenditure on traffic-calming measures by transport authorities in England in each of the last three years. [18460]

Mr. Bowis

Traffic calming is one element among the traffic management techniques available to local authorities for relieving congestion, improving safety and enhancing the environment. We do not require detailed returns from authorities on expenditure of this kind.

Mr. Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated concerning (i) good and bad practice in respect of traffic-calming measures in England and (ii) the overall effect of such measures; and if he will make a statement. [18459]

Mr. Bowis

Since April 1992, the Department of Transport has commissioned 10 research projects to study a range of traffic-calming measures, assessing their effectiveness in reducing and controlling traffic speeds and their effect on the environment:

  • UG16 Traffic calming on distributor roads
  • UG24 Speed control humps
  • UG25 Traffic calming on roads through villages
  • UG46 Innovative traffic calming measures
  • UG48 Traffic calming on major roads
  • UG93 Environment management
  • UG127 Traffic management and vehicle emissions
  • UG128 Urban activity in 20 mph zones
  • UG137 Vertical and horizontal deflections
  • S204F Monitoring of 20 mph zones

Details of most of these projects are in the Department's "Urban and Local Transport Compendium of Research Projects", copies of which have been placed in the Library and can be seen on the Department's Internet site.

The results of this research are published in the form of research reports and traffic advisory leaflets.