HC Deb 13 May 2004 vol 421 c490W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what research his Department has conducted into car-sharing schemes; and if he will place copies of such research findings in the Library; [172290]

(2) what plans his Department has to provide guidance for local transport plans relating to car-sharing schemes. [172291]

Mr. McNulty

Research into the effectiveness of car sharing and other travel plan measures was published in 2002 in "Making Travel Plans Work: Research Report", copies of which were placed in the Library.

Last year, the Department commissioned research into the influence of soft factors on travel demand. The final report, which will include a chapter on car sharing, is expected to be completed shortly and copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Following a commitment made in the Government's Response to the Motorist's Forum Report on car sharing and car clubs on 3 December 2002, Official Report, column 72WS, the Department has commissioned research into best practice in setting up formal car sharing and car club schemes in closed communities. From the research, we will provide new guidance for local authorities, schools and employers on the effective implementation of car share schemes. The research and guidance is expected to be completed in October and copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the locations of high occupancy vehicle lanes are; and how long each lane is. [172293]

Mr. McNulty

There are high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes operating in two local authorities in England: two lengths of HOV lane in Leeds totalling 1.5 km and four lengths totalling 1.9 km in South Gloucester.

Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has collated on the effectiveness of high occupancy vehicle lanes. [172294]

Mr. McNulty

The HOV lanes on Stanningley Road in Leeds are included as one of the case studies in the Bus Partnership Forum's Resource Pack "Bus Priority—The Way Ahead" published by the Department in September 2003. This reports the results of an evaluation of the HOV lanes carried out by Leeds City Council.