§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what plans he has for the provision of additional tracks on the single-line sections of the south coastal route from Portsmouth to Ashford; and what is(a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works; [32993]
(2) what plans he has for infrastructure works on the south coastal route from Portsmouth to Ashford to increase the number of locations where fast trains can overtake the slower services; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works. [32992]
§ Mr. ByersThe Heads of Terms signed by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and GoVia for the South Central franchise include a commitment to development of south coast routes—upgrading of infrastructure facilities to allow faster trains to overtake slower stopping services on the south coastway. This work is included in the SRA's Strategic Plan as a development by 2010. Negotiations between the SRA and GoVia are continuing towards the new South Central franchise agreement.