§ Mr. Mark FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whom he has met to discuss the implementation of the Mayor of London's proposed congestion charging scheme; and what was discussed at these meetings. [23139]
§ Mr. JamiesonMinisters meet a variety of people to discuss a variety of issues including congestion charging. Any congestion charging scheme in London is a matter for the Mayor. The Government's involvement is with respect to exemptions policy and value for money in the use of the net proceeds.
§ Mr. Mark FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many representations he has received on the Mayor of London's proposed congestion charging scheme. [23140]
§ Mr. JamiesonBetween May 2000 and 18 December 2001 we had received about 70 letters. However, the proposed congestion charging scheme for central London is a matter for the Mayor.
§ Mr. Mark FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what(a) responsibilities and (b) powers he has with respect to the implementation of a congestion charging scheme in London; and if he will make a statement. [24377]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Government's powers in relation to congestion charging in London extend to ensuring that the net revenues from any scheme are spent on value for money transport measures and to national exemptions policy.
I understand that the consultation period on the scheme does not close until the middle of January 2002 and that the Mayor is aiming to announce his decision in mid February. The Government will consider the final version of the spending plan once Transport for London has finished the consultation process.
590WRegarding exemptions policy, we have already announced that there will be England-wide exemptions from both road user charging and the workplace parking levy for ambulances and for police and fire emergency vehicles, and for at least some disabled people; and some form of England-wide exemption or concession from the workplace parking levy for NHS hospitals. We have no plans at present for any further England-wide concessions or exemptions.
It will be open to local authorities, including the Mayor in London, to grant additional concessions or exemptions in their schemes, if they judge it appropriate to do so.