§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total cost of the cones hotline; how many calls were received; how many raised issues that resulted in remedial actions; and what was the cost of each of these calls as a percentage of the total costs. [1932]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe cones hotline operated from June 1992 until September 1995 when it was replaced by the Highways Agency information line. The cost of establishing and running the cones hotline prior to March 1994 is not available as, until then, calls were routed through the Department of Transport's general inquiry number. In the Financial year 1994–95, the cost of the dedicated service line was approximately £5,000. Staffing costs were met from within existing establishment and budgets. In the period April to September 1995 the cost of running the cones hotline is estimated at £20,000, including staff and call charges. The total number of calls received between June 1992 and September 1995 was 19,500. Approximately half the calls concerned traffic management (although only a small proportion were about traffic cones), and half were requests for information about road works or general queries about roads, planning policy and so on. Where appropriate, the Department took steps to alter the layout of road traffic cones, improve signposting at roadworks, review diversion routes, re-paint road markings and investigate road lighting at roadworks as a result of comments and complaints from hotline callers. The cost of each of these calls as a percentage of the total costs is not available.