§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the relevant responsibilities, in respect of the interests of cyclists, of(a) the Rail Regulator and (b) the Franchising Director. [9099]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Franchising Director's Objectives, Instructions and Guidance require him to take into account all relevant Government policies, including the Government's support for the aims of the National Cycling Strategy. The Franchising Director has included in all franchise agreements a provision requiring facilities to be made available, as far as practicable, for the carriage of cycles on trains.
The Rail Regulator has no specific responsibilities in relation to the interests of cyclist. However, he has a general duty to protect the interests of railway users and to promote the use of the railway network.