§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what criteria he uses to assess quantitatively the extent and seriousness of congestion on individual links in the trunk road network ;
(2) what research he has carried out into changes in the level and extent of congestion in the United Kingdom and its economic effects; and what studies he has undertaken of the likely level and extent of congestion on the trunk road network in future years;
(3) what consideration he has given to publishing an annual report on congestion on the road network, similar to the report of the national road maintenance conditions survey;
(4) in what way he monitors the level and extent of congestion on the trunk roads network.
§ Mr. KeyCongestion is monitored by a variety of means including roadside vehicle detection, video cameras, traffic surveys, and motorway data provided by TrafficMaster—the private sector congestion monitoring system. All road investment involves the appraisal of congestion, including the vehicle delays on individual road links. This is set out in detail in the Department's COBA user manual which is based on extensive research. I have no plans at present to introduce an annual congestion report.