§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evaluation has been done on the effects of the A1 to City red route; and if he will make a statement as to its traffic, environmental and social effect.
§ Mr. NorrisThe hon. Member was sent a copy of the latest evaluation of the 8-mile red route pilot scheme in March. The effects are encouragingly beneficial. The main facts are
casualties down significantly more in 1991 than on the rest of London's roads;620 new free short term parking spaces introduced and no permitted parking places removed;bus lanes almost doubled;17 new or improved pedestrian crossing points and four new cycle crossings in progress;bus and general traffic journey times and reliability substantially improved;1,700 more people a week using the No. 43 bus service which goes along much of the route;traffic being attracted off less suitable adjacent roads;no evidence to suggest that red route measures have contributed of themselves to reduced shopping activity.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of red route are planned for London: and on what date he expects to bring forward proposals.
§ Mr. NorrisI am considering the response received to the consultation document on the proposed red route network and expect to make an announcement shortly. Until that time I cannot say what the mileage of the network will be.