HC Deb 18 December 2000 vol 360 cc5-6W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions has he had with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police on ways in which to increase the speed of flow of traffic in the London metropolitan area. [142530]

Mr. Hill

None. The Mayor of London and Transport for London are now responsible for strategic transport matters in London.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he next plans to meet leaders of the transport industry to discuss ways in which HGV vehicles can be discouraged from using roads in central London. [142533]

Mr. Hill

Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have any such plans. This is a matter for the Mayor of London and the Association of London Government's Transport and Environment Committee.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many times in the last year he has met staff of the Mayor of London to discuss(a) the average speed of road traffic in London and (b) the ways in which the flow of traffic on London roads can be improved; [142564]

(2) how many times in the last year he has met the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to discuss the flow of traffic on London roads. [142695]

Mr. Hill

Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have had any such meetings. However, before 3 July 2000, officials of the Government Office for London, the Highways Agency and the Traffic Director for London had regular meetings with the Metropolitan police at operational level. On that date the Mayor of London and Transport for London became responsible for strategic transport matters in the capital.