§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has undertaken on the effects of traffic-calming methods on(a) emergency vehicles and (b) public transport vehicles, with particular reference to low-deck vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [65675]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAll research commissioned by my Department into the design and performance of traffic calming measures has included an examination of the effects such measures will have on emergency vehicles and public transport. This research has included three track trials by the Transport Research Laboratory of road humps and chicanes where passenger comfort, operating speeds and performance of vehicles have been examined. Single deck 'low floor' buses have been included in the most recent track trial. No difficulties were experienced in negotiating the different types of 75mm high road humps comprising the trial for speeds up to 25 mph. Operationally, much lower speeds would be recommended to avoid discomfort to passengers.