§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 7 March 2001,Official Report, column 248W, on travellers, what steps have been taken to recover the cost of measures taken, from those who occupied the site at Willington, Derbyshire; and what representations the Highways Agency has made to his Department concerning the legal framework available to prevent and to reduce the impact of occupations of this kind. [154432]
§ Mr. HillI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Tim Matthews, to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from John Kerman to Mr. Mark Todd, dated 23 March 2001:
The Transport Minister, Keith Hill, has asked Tim Matthews to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about action taken to recover costs incurred by the Highways Agency in clearing waste, erecting barriers, and maintaining security from its site at Willington, Derbyshire following its occupation by travellers. I am replying in the absence, of Tim Matthews. You also asked what representations the Highways Agency has made to DETR concerning the legal framework available to prevent and to reduce the impact of occupations of this kind.
We very much regret such occupations of this nature but no recovery action has been taken because the instigation of Court action to have Travellers removed, and the subsequent recovery of costs is extremely difficult.
393WNo representations have been made to DETR. Ministers consider the existing legal framework and guidance to be adequate provided the powers are used early enough. They were not used on this occasion because the Travellers moved on of their own accord. Research is now under way to monitor the effectiveness of current guidance and what more might be needed. Consideration will be given to issue revised guidance on particular points such as fly tipping.