§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to invite private consortia to construct the proposed western orbital motorway around Birmingham through the design, build, finance and operate private finance initiative; and if he will make a statement; [32741]
(2) what is his current policy on the building of the proposed western orbital motorway around Birmingham as a toll motorway under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991; and when he intends to invite private consortia to bid to act as concessionaire for the route. [32740]
§ Mr. WattsNo decision has yet been taken to build the western orbital. The next step in the planning of the scheme would be the publication of draft orders which would open a formal objection period leading to a public inquiry.
The trunk roads review, published in March 1994, indicated that the western orbital route would be considered for its suitability to be taken forward under a design, build, finance, and operate contract. DBFO contracts involve remuneration to operators from Government, and do not require payment of tolls by road users.