HL Deb 21 March 1994 vol 553 cc18-9WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What responsibility the new Highways Agency will have for the provision of better facilities for cyclists in accordance with the new government policy to encourage safe cycling.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

Securing safer conditions on the roads remains an important part of the Government's policy towards cycling. The Highways Agency will have a clear remit to secure the delivery of an efficient, reliable, safe and environmentally acceptable trunk road network. It will have a number of objectives set by the Secretary of State, one of which will be to provide the best possible service to road users and those affected by roads. Road users, of course, include cyclists; though specific groups of road users are not separately identified.

Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the functions of Regional Cycling Officers to ensure the co-ordination of cycling policy between local authorities and Department of Transport regional offices will be organised from 1st April 1994.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

The function of liaising with local authorities on cycling issues generally, now carried out at regional level, will continue and will be the responsibility of Department of Transport staff at the integrated regional offices rather than in the Highways Agency.