§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the Sustrans project. [35959]
§ Mr. NorrisThe national cycle network being promoted by the charity, Sustrans, is making good progress. Much of the detailed work will be undertaken by local highway authorities.
The Department welcomed the initiative to develop the network. We have already said that, where feasible, we would help to ensure safe and convenient crossings arrangements where the network crosses trunk roads. Sustrans has been invited to identify with the Highways Agency desirable trunk road crossing points.
We were pleased to help Sustrans last month with the launch of its "Safe Routes to School" conference. This three-year demonstration project offers opportunities to local authorities to consider the strategic role which walking and cycling to school can play in helping to achieve local authority objectives.