§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he proposes to ensure that the pilot autoguide system will not include route guidance for through traffic to use local roads; what powers local highway authorities will have of control over the guidance routes chosen and the equipment to be installed; and whether there will be any appeals procedure to resolve differences between local highway authorities and operators.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyUnder the Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Bill currently before Parliament, the operation of an autoguide system in relation to public roads would require a licence from the Secretary of State.
Clause 10(8) of the Bill would enable the Secretary of State to specify in a licence the classes of descriptions of 689W public road which may be included in route guidance. The Bill does not extend local highway authorities' existing powers to manage traffic in their areas.
An autoguide pilot scheme would need to include the use of some local roads to allow a full assessment of the likely effects of a large scale commercial system. The Department of Transport has set up a group which would oversee the monitoring and evaluation of a pilot autoguide scheme in London, should a licence for one be awarded. The group includes representatives of local authority associations and the police.
An autoguide operator's power to install equipment would, under clause 12 of the Bill, be subject to the street works code in the Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950. This would require an operator to notify relevant highway authorities of proposals, and sets out procedures for resolving disputes.