§ Sir Mark Lennox-BoydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the organisation of the traffic area network in the light of the forthcoming closure of the traffic area offices in Cardiff and Manchester. [7027]
§ Mr. BowisIn the light of views expressed during consultation, we have decided to defer changes to the boundaries of the existing traffic areas. This will enable further work to be carried out on a new computer system for the traffic area network which may affect the organisation of work. It will also allow further consideration to be given to how traffic area boundaries should be re-drawn to meet concerns expressed in response to the consultation. As part of the future restructuring, it is planned to create a separate traffic area for Wales.
In the meantime, Mr. John Mervyn Pugh will remain traffic commissioner for both the west midland and the south wales traffic areas, operating from the traffic area office in Birmingham. Mr. Keith Waterworth, the traffic commissioner for the north eastern traffic area, will continue for the time being as traffic commissioner also for the north western traffic area, operating from the traffic area office in Leeds. Mr. Pugh will, however, be appointed as deputy traffic commissioner in the north western traffic area so that he can hear cases in north Wales on Mr. Waterworth's behalf. We also intend appointing a deputy traffic commissioner based in Wales to hear cases in both parts of the Principality. I will review the situation in a few months' time.