§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards extended pedestrian-only areas in city centre and suburban areas. [46707]
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§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe decision to pedestrianise areas of a city, town or suburban centre is a matter for individual local highway authorities, rather than central Government. The Government welcome the improved safety, convenience and environmental benefits that a well designed scheme can bring to local communities. Government advice in Planning Policy Guidance Note 6, Town Centres and Retail Developments, encourages local authorities to give greater priority to pedestrians, including pedestrianisation in town centres. Detailed advice has also been given on planning, design and legal implications in restricting vehicle access to pedestrianised areas, in the Department's Local Transport Note 1/87, "Getting the Right Balance".