§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the remit for the multi-modal transport study for the London-Ipswich corridor; when it will be completed; if he will place any papers relating to traffic flows, investment options and opportunities for the injection of private finance received in the course of the study in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [83749]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonFollowing consultation with the Regional Planning Body and others, we announced on March 23 that a study into the London to Ipswich corridor would be added to Tranche 2 of the Multi-Modal Studies programme. Tranche 2 studies will begin in 2000 and are expected to take on average 2 years to complete.
The terms of reference for the study will be drawn up by a Steering Group which will include the Regional Planning Conference (SERPLAN) the Government Office, the Local Highway Authorities and transport providers. The aim of the study will be to address strategic problems within the London to Ipswich corridor, including on the Al2, and to identify solutions to those problems from all modes of transport and land use planning which meet our overarching environmental, safety, economic, accessibility and integration objectives for transport.
The study will be an open process conducted in partnership with SERPLAN and in consultation with a wide range of interests. Specific reports related to the studies, covering topics such as data collection, option testing and strategy formulation etc., will be available from the Government Offices who are managing the studies.