§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to assess the success of local authorities in complying with the requirements of the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997; if he will publish the results of his Department's findings; what action he intends to take against those authorities that are failing to meet the terms of the Act; and if he will make a statement. [46045]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonGuidance to local authorities on implementing the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 was issued in draft earlier this year for consultation. This made clear that each local authority would be expected to produce a report containing an assessment of levels of local road traffic in their area and forecast growth in those levels, together with targets for reducing those levels or their rate of growth, as required by the Act, by 31 July 1999. We will want to satisfy ourselves that authorities58W are taking their obligations under the Act seriously, and their performance will be a consideration in the founding they receive for transport capital expenditure.