§ Mr. Mark FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to pilot projects in local authorities to test the effectiveness of allowing them to levy a lane rental charge on companies undertaking street works. [8517]
§ Ms KeebleMy Department has recently concluded a period of consultation on draft regulations to permit pilot "lane rental" schemes in Middlesbrough and the London borough of Camden under section 74A of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. We intend laying revised regulations before the House later this autumn and envisage that the pilots will begin operation early in 2002.