§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what progress he has made against the targets set in the 1997 walking strategy; [126548]
(2) what recent research he has conducted into the average annual distance walked by a UK (a) adult and (b) child in each of the last six years; [126549]
(3) if he will make a statement on the walking-related spending in the 10-year transport plan for each year of the plan; and what walking-related spending was allocated in the last six years of local transport plans. [126550]
§ Dr. HowellsMy Department has no walking targets, but the National Travel Survey shows that the average distance walked in Great Britain each year by adults (16 years and over) and children (under 16 years) for the last six periods for which data are available is as follows:
Miles per person per year Adults (16 + ) Children (under 16) 1994–96 197 208 1995–97 193 200 1996–98 191 201 1997–99 189 198 1998–2000 190 200 1999–2001 186 200 The National Travel Survey excludes walks of less than 50 yards and those that are away from the public highway unless both the surface is paved or tarred and there is unrestricted access.
The Government are providing very generous transport investment funds to local authorities—amounting to £19 billion over the 10-year plan period. However, we do not ring-fence funds specifically for walking schemes. The Government believe local authorities should be able take an integrated approach, using investment funds in the way that best suits local circumstances. Our approach to funding reflects this. Decisions about walking-related spending are therefore for local authorities. The Government require local authorities to plan better facilities for walkers, and report what they have delivered. We take this information into account in our decisions on overall funding allocations.
626Wbetween the Vehicle Inspectorate Executive Agency and the Traffic Area Network division of the Department for Transport. Details of operating costs and staff numbers for the former organisations over the last five years are shown in the table.