HC Deb 08 February 1999 vol 325 c7W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussion he has held with Connex in respect of the use of Charlton station for transporting visitors to the Millennium Dome; what is(a) the present and (b) the maximum number of trains per hour which can call at Charlton; and if he will make a statement. [69827]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Surface rail interests are represented at my Millennium Access Co-ordination Group by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC). The Managing Director of Connex South Eastern represented ATOC at the first meeting of my group in June 1998, at which we discussed Railtrack's proposals to redevelop Charlton station to improve the interchange with the new Millennium Transit bus service that will operate between the station and the Dome.

In November, ATOC reported to my group that Connex were considering the provision of additional train services to Charlton for Millennium Experience visitors. The present off-peak service at Charlton station is six trains per hour in each direction to/from Charing Cross/Cannon Street. The maximum number of trains per hour will be dependent upon capacity constraints at all stations on the line and access arrangements for services.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) discussions and (b) correspondence he has had with (i) the Traffic Director for London and (ii) Greenwich Council in drawing up contingency plans for transporting visitors to the Millennium Dome should the Jubilee line extension not be open in time, giving in each case the first date of their involvement. [69826]

Ms Glenda Jackson

I have, through my Millennium Access Co-ordination Group, asked London Underground Limited to lead the production of contingency plans to manage problems on any of the main transport links to the Millennium Dome site.

The Borough of Greenwich became a member of my Millennium Access group in November 1998 prior to which date the interests of all boroughs were represented by the Association of London Government. Greenwich were present when London Underground presented an overview of the contingency plans to the group last month. I have not had any correspondence with Greenwich on this subject.

I have had no discussions or correspondence with the Traffic Director for London on the plans. I have, however, invited him to attend the next meeting of my group, at which we will be examining London Underground's proposals in more detail. The Traffic Director for London has been a member of the contingency planning working group since November 1998.