§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the economic impact of road construction for urban regeneration.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe Secretary of State includes economic revival in inner cities as one of his objectives for local authority transport investment. New roads will be able to improve access to and within certain urban areas, and ease traffic congestion making them more attractive places for people to live and work. Transport supplementary grant support for road projects in urban areas is particuarly targeted at the 57 Action for Cities locations. However, the Government recognise that there is a limit to the extent to which the construction of new roads can assist inner city areas, and looks to local authorities, where appropriate for their area, to bring forward alternative proposals for dealing with traffic congestion. Central Government support may for example be given towards measures to improve public transport infrastructure, calm traffic, and offer priority to buses.