HC Deb 04 May 2004 vol 420 cc1394-5W
Mr. Hendrick

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many rural bus services in Preston are supported by rural bus grants. [169687]

Mr. McNulty

Rural Bus Subsidy Grant (RBSG) is paid to local transport authorities. In the case of Preston, this is Lancashire County Council. It is for the authority to decide which services should be supported with the grant. We understand from the county council that, while Preston is mainly urban, there are 11 rural bus services commencing or terminating in Preston that are currently supported by RBSG.

Mr. Hendrick

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of priority bus lanes have been created in Preston since 1997. [169688]

Mr. McNulty

Since 1997, three lengths of bus lane have been created in Preston, at Fishergate, Church Street and Ringway, with a total length of 900 metres.

Mr. Hendrick

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the effect of investment in railway improvements over the next 10 years upon residents of Preston. [169689]

Mr. McNulty

Residents of Preston will benefit from the new TransPennine Express franchise, which commenced in February. The franchise secures investment of around £260m, which will include the introduction of a new fleet of 100 mph diesel trains leading to increased capacity, improved service quality and performance across the region. A new northern franchise, which will include local and regional services through Preston, is out for tender. Work continues on the West Coast Main Line upgrade, which will see reduction in journey times along the route and increases in service frequency.

Mr. Hendrick

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of new cycle lanes have been provided using public funds in Preston since 1997. [169690]

Mr. McNulty

A total of 3.8 km of on-road cycle lanes and 5.6 km of off-road cycle tracks has been provided in Preston since 1997. A further 6.6 km of off-road cycle path, including 3.8 km of improved canal towpath are due to open this summer.

Mr. Hendrick

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the percentage change in(a) deaths and (b) serious injuries on the roads of Preston has been since 1997. [169691]

Mr. Jamieson

In the Preston local authority area there were nine deaths in road accidents in 1997 and two deaths in 2002, the latest year for which information is available. The number of serious injuries in road accidents fell by 2 per cent. from 156 in 1997 to 153 in 2002.

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