HC Deb 26 November 1992 vol 214 cc748-9W
Mr. Day

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what applications he has received from local authorities in their transport policies and programmes submissions for schemes which are likely to give rates of return in excess of those typically achieved by local safety schemes.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

[holding answer 25 November 1992]: It is not possible to make such a direct comparison. Local safety schemes are assessed according to their first year rate of return in casualty reduction terms. Major road improvement schemes are subject to a detailed cost benefit analysis over a period of 30 years.

Returns provided by local authorities indicate that the amount earmarked for local safety schemes in the transport supplementary grant settlement for 1991–92 produced an average first year rate of return of 76 per cent. and over the first three years an average rate of return of 213 per cent.

Initial analysis of authorities' transport policies and programme submissions for 1993–94 indicates that the average benefit to cost ratio of major scheme bids for TSG is 4.4:1.

Mr. Day

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the 1993–94 specific allocation in transport supplementary grant for local safety schemes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

[holding answer 25 November 1992]: The specific allocation to local safety schemes will be announced to Parliament by the Secretary of State as part of the local roads capital settlement, probably next month.

Mr. Day

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when guidance will be issued to local authorities to enable them to use signing for red light and speed cameras for deterrence and road safety purposes.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

[holding answer 25 November 1992]Trials are currently taking place to determine the most effective signing for camera installations. I expect to be able to issue guidance after these trials are completed early next year.

Mr. Day

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the total bid of local authorities for transport supplementary grant for local safety schemes for 1993–94.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

[holding answer 25 November 1992]: A total of £117 million.