§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many calls have been received to the cones hotline since its inception; and what are the monthly costs of the line.
§ Mr. KeyA total of 4,538 calls have been received on the cones hotline up to 18 May. Of these, 2,600 have been complaints about or observations on cones and traffic management at roadworks which have been followed up by the relevant regional office. The remaining calls have comprised general inquiries and requests for information which were dealt with immediately.
Since March this year the cones hotline has operated on a new dedicated number giving callers direct access to the hotline operator. It has also provided for callers to be charged at their local rate irrespective of their location. The new line has been costing about £450 per month, including 52W call charges. All other running costs have been and are being met from within budgets agreed before the hotline was established.