§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will issue guidelines for the development of toll road proposals.
§ Mr. KeyPrivately 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 that was 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 under the 1991 Act, a statement must be published with a draft toll order, setting out the key points of a concession agreement.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ensure that toll road proposals are subject to adequate consultations on and evaluation at all key stages.
§ Mr. KeyUnder 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. Any scheme which is taken forward by means of individual legislation would be subject to detailed scrutiny by Parliament.