HC Deb 11 January 2002 vol 377 cc1062-3W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the targets agreed between his Department and highway authorities in the geographical counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Sussex for the delivery of highways and transport services, identifying those on which his specific grant or borrowing permission is contingent. [26665]

Ms Keeble

Our guidance to authorities on Local Transport Plans (LTPs) made clear that plans must include a set of indicators for measuring performance against targets and other outputs which can be used to assess whether the LTP is delivering its stated objectives. Local authorities determine the precise package of indicators and targets which best reflect their local circumstances and although such indicators are not formally agreed by the Department they should reflect relevant national targets where they exist. Authorities are required to provide annual progress reports (APRs) in which to report on how their LTPs are being implemented and the progress in working towards the locally established objectives, national and local targets and other outputs.

The allocation of capital resources is determined through an assessment of the LTPs and APRs which authorities submitted. We announced initial capital allocations for the implementation of the first five year LTPs in December 2000 and firm allocations for 2002–03 were announced last December.

Section 109(4) of the Transport Act 2000 placed a statutory requirement upon local transport authorities as to the publication of local transport plans and bus strategies. They are required to make them available for inspection, give notice for bringing them to the attention of the public and to make copies available on request at not more than cost. It is for local transport authorities to ensure that they meet their statutory requirements in this regard.

Given the volume of data requested I will write to the hon. Member with details of the indicators and targets for the local highway authorities concerned and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 24 October 2001,Official Report, column 236W, whether West Quay road, Southampton, is a trunk road. [26663]

Mr. Jamieson

West Quay road in Southampton forms part of the A3057, which is not a trunk road.