§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account his integrated transport policy takes of the ease of transfer between motorcycles and the railways; and if he will make a statement. [144095]
§ Mr. HillBoth our integrated transport White Paper published in 1998, and "Transport 2010—The 10-Year Plan", published in July 2000, recognise the importance of improving interchange between different modes of transport. The 10-Year Plan includes among its target outcomes (paragraph 6.62)
better integration and co-ordination between transport modes through local transport plans and improved interchanges.One of the three statutory purposes of the Strategic Rail Authority will be to contribute to the development of an integrated transport system. Meanwhile, the Franchising Director has made it clear that proposals for franchise replacement should improve the "whole journey" experience from door to door, and reduce perceived barriers to switching from private to public transport.
376WThe 10-Year Plan also recognises the importance of well designed and located, safe and secure park and ride facilities which can be linked to both light and heavy rail services and sets out the need to develop longer distance schemes, such as "parkways" linked to rail services.
Our guidance to authorities on local transport plans stressed the role of interchange as well as the development of local strategies for improving interchange between passenger rail and other modes.
The guidance specifically asks local authorities to consider measures to assist motorcyclists in making integrated journeys, such as secure parking, good access and suitable facilities at public transport interchanges.