§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the initial response of county 238W councils to his Department's request that cycling should be given specific reference in their transport policies and programmes.
§ Mrs. ChalkerInitial responses from a number of authorities have been encouraging, but a comprehensive assessment must await the submission of transport policies and programmes at the end of July.
§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Transport what measureable effect the road safety television commercial concerning motorists' awareness of cyclists has had in the London and East Anglia regions; and whether it is intended to screen it in other areas.
§ Mrs. ChalkerCasualty reductions among cyclists in the Anglia and London Television regions amounted to 18 per cent. and 14 per cent. respectively across the campaign period. Although the reductions would not have continued at these levels over the months following the campaigns, we estimate that the net effect was a drop in annual cyclist casualties of between 3 per cent. and 5 per cent. in the regions covered. This is a significant saving, and we contemplate a campaign this year in the Central Television region. I shall investigate the possibilities of further campaigns.