Assessment Studies (London) (Hansard, 18 March 1987)

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley

We are writing to the local authorities concerned today to consult them on the proposed terms of reference. We shall also be inviting comments from other interested organisations.

The report on stage 1 analysed the problems in the study areas. The aim of stage 2 is to develop possible ways of dealing with them. The studies will look at a wide range of options, with a view to identifying possible alternative strategies for each area. They will take full account of the operation of the local road system, the role of public transport, and the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists.

The proposed terms of reference are as follows:

1. The aim of stage 2 of the studies is to identify possible options for reducing the problems identified in stage 1 of the studies.
2. The consultants carrying out the studies are to consider a range of options to enable the road system to cater more effectively for necessary longer distance traffic within London, including public transport improvements, better traffic management, control and enforcement of parking and junction improvements as well as possible new construction where that can be achieved without serious environmental damage.
3. It is not the aim to increase traffic in London. The objectives will be to deal more efficiently with existing traffic, where possible to stop it from using unsuitable residential roads and shopping streets, and to enable other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, to move more safely and freely.
4. It is not the Government's policy to restrict car use through road pricing within the foreseeable future, but it will be open to the consultants to consider proposals to charge for using specific roads or locations, and to estimate the effects on traffic in the study areas of more general measures, including completing the Government's policy of gradually raising to realistic levels the scale charges for taxing the benefit of having a company car available for private use.
5. One of the objectives of providing more effectively for longer distance traffic is to enable public road transport to function more efficiently and reliably. The consultants are to discuss with the operators how far traffic problems within the study areas could be helped by possible new or improved public transport facilities, interchanges and station car parks. Further work on possible new rail and underground investments will be carried forward under the aegis of the Secretary of State's London Passenger Transport Group.
6. The studies will need to take account of objectives for the study areas set out in local plans and strategic guidance for unitary plans as it is developed. In some places plans to maintain and develop economic activity depend on improved access. The Department is already supporting boroughs through TSG to achieve necessary improvements. The studies will consider whether further action is needed to improve access to the rest of London and the national road system. The consultants are to draw attention to development policies which could have undesirable consequences in overloading the road system.
7. The consultants are to assess the merits of these options, having regard to the Government's transport policies, including those for public transport, and their policies and guidance for roads and traffic in London, the Department's continuing concern to secure value for money and the sensitivity of the environment and the social fabric of the areas concerned. They are also to take account of the Government response to the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment report on urban road appraisal.