HC Deb 11 June 1996 vol 279 cc85-6W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions his Department has had with the Health and Safety Executive in relation to the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Driving Standards Agency at the heavy goods vehicle testing station at Purfleet; and what action is planned by his Department; [32403]

(2) what action his Department has taken to replace the boundary fence surrounding the heavy goods vehicle testing station at Purfleet; and what warning signs and traffic management barriers have been erected to separate the Driving Standards Agency and Vehicle Inspectorate traffic routes. [32402]

Mr. Norris

I have asked the chief executive of the Vehicle Inspectorate to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Ron Oliver to Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody, dated 11 June 1996:

The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about replacement of the boundary fence at Purfleet Goods Vehicle Testing Station and discussions with the Health and Safety Executive.

A replacement fence was erected on three of the boundaries in March. There have been no further complaints of children using the site as a short cut, since this action has been taken. The fence on the final front boundary requires planning permission and is affected by highway alternations needed by the Channel Tunnel Link. A planning application has been submitted and it is anticipated that it will take 6 weeks to process.

A traffic management barrier has also been erected on the site to assist segregation of the Vehicle Inspectorate and Driving Standards Agency's work.

Further works to be undertaken this summer include additional tarmacking to ease traffic movement and parking within the site, and renewing directional signs. Discussions on the latter will involve the Driving Standards Agency to establish their particular requirements. Discussions have been held with the Health and Safety Executive regarding the proposed improvements and we are advising them of progress as it occurs.