§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce tolls on roads in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the steps he is taking to tackle road congestion in Northern Ireland. [143818]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) for NI 2002–2012, whose strategic direction and underlying principles were endorsed by the Assembly in1084W July 2002, contains no proposals to introduce tolling in NI. It does, however, contain a commitment to monitor the impacts of fiscal demand management measures, such as road user charging.
In the meantime, the issue of road congestion is being addressed as part of the wider transportation picture set out in the RTS. The RTS proposes that congestion be tackled through selected highway improvements and measures designed to encourage greater use of public transport, walking and cycling facilities. Overall it envisages £427 million in strategic highway improvements, £250 million on rail services, £98 million on bus services and "park and ride" in Belfast and almost £40 million on making it easier to walk or cycle. The actual level of resources invested in transportation will, however, depend on the normal budgetary processes, satisfactory economic appraisals and satisfactory progress through statutory processes (where relevant).
The RTS will be progressed through three Transport Plans—the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan, the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan and the Sub-Regional Transport Plan. The first two plans have reached an advanced stage with 'Emerging Plans' being subject to separate working conferences earlier this year. Both plans are expected to be published in the first half of 2004.