HL Deb 29 June 1977 vol 384 cc1211-2WA
Lord IRONSIDE

asked Her Majesty's Government:—

  1. (1) whether they regard van-pooling, where employers lease or loan small passenger carrying vans to groups of employees living close to each other, as an energy efficient and cost effective way of commuting to work;
  2. (2) whether they are carrying out any trials in van-pooling at Government establishments; and
  3. (3) whether there are any legal barriers to the operation of van-pooling schemes in the United Kingdom.

Baroness STEDMAN

(1) In general the sharing of any vehicle by a number of persons who would otherwise drive to work alone in their own cars is likely to save energy. Cost effectiveness would depend on a number of variable factors.

(2) As far as is known, no schemes involving van-pooling as such are being carried out at Government establishments and none are being sponsored.

(3) If any question of the sharing of costs arises then a vehicle may come within the definition of a public service vehicle and be subject to licensing.