HC Deb 02 March 1999 vol 326 cc616-7W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with London borough councils on the development of cycle lanes within their boroughs; and if he will make a statement. [72774]

Ms Glenda Jackson

In the Transport Policies and Programme settlement for 1999–2000, announced on 17 December last year, authorities were advised on the priorities for developing the London Cycle Network. In the coming year they should continue to take a more strategic approach, with the overall aim of encouraging more people to cycle in London.

All the London Boroughs have been involved with the development of the LCN, with the Royal London Borough of Kingston upon Thames acting as the overall co-ordinating authority. Through TPP funding good progress has been made on the LCN, with over 1000km of cycle routes already available for use.

The intention is to produce an initial network by April 2000—to be launched alongside the London part of the Thames Cycle Route—that will be of a standard to facilitate cycling in London and provide a satisfactory base for taking forward and completing the LCN in future years.

Advice on the prioritisation of cycling provisions was also included in the guidance recently issued to Local Authorities in London, on the preparation of their Interim Transport Plans, for the 2000–01 bidding round.

I have consistently raised the issue of cycle provisions during visits to various London Boroughs over the last 18 months, and my officials will continue to attend regular meetings of the London Cycle Network steering group, and of the Borough Cycling Officers' Group. Progress reports, including information monitoring the usage on newly completed cycle routes, will be discussed with the boroughs.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instruct local authorities in London to create trial cycle lanes along main thoroughfares. [73473]

Ms Glenda Jackson

My right hon. Friend does not have the power to issue such an instruction. The London Boroughs are responsible for deciding whether cycle lanes or other measures should be provided on their local roads.

My Department publishes Traffic Advisory Leaflets on the results of research projects carried out into traffic management issues—including facilities to encourage cycling. In addition, there already exists a design manual, produced by the LCN lead authority, to encourage good practice in the establishment of cycle lanes and other cycling measures.