§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to ensure adequate consultations on and evaluation of toll road proposals at all key stages.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsUnder the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 the procedures for authorisation of a toll road are similar to those of the Highways Act 1980 that apply to publicly financed roads; there will therefore be a similar approach to public consultation and public inquiry.
375WAny scheme which was taken forward by means of individual legislation would be subject to detailed scrutiny by Parliament.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will issue guidelines for the development of toll road proposals.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsPrivately financed toll roads can be provided only in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, or by individual legislation. Guidelines on the Act were contained in a circular issued to local authorities by the Department of Transport and the Welsh Office in March 1992. Evaluation of a prospective concessionaire's proposals will be a matter for the highway authority, but a statement is published with a draft toll order, under the 1991 Act, setting out the key points of a concession agreement.