HC Deb 17 July 2003 vol 409 cc622-3W
Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the projected cost of each recommendation contained in the South Coast multi modal study is; and what funding has been allocated to taking forward each recommendation. [126430]

Mr. Jamieson

The total estimated cost of the recommendations made by the South Coast multi modal study was £1.1 billion. This sum consists ofImprovements to the trunk road network totalling £594 million, designed to reduce congestion bottlenecks and improve safety black spots; Rail improvements totalling £109 million; £26 million for bus measures; £99 million for urban interventions and other local transport measures; £283 million for light rail transit investment.

In response to these recommendations, the Secretary of State has asked the Highways Agency to take forward a number of road schemes, the costs for which will come from the resources allocated within the 10-year plan.

Local authorities are asked to work up a number of schemes and measures for submission via the local transport plan bid process. Where required, provision of funding will depend on the performance of schemes against appraisal criteria. On the rail side a significant programme of rail improvements is being taken forward which will support the objectives of the study. The SRA has also been asked to examine the scope for delivering the study's rail objectives as it develops its future programmes.

Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which recommendations contained in the South Coast multi modal study(a) have been approved, (b) have not been approved and (c) are still awaiting a final decision. [126431]

Mr. Jamieson

Our response to the South Coast multi-modal study, which was sent to MPs within the south-east as part of an announcement package, set out in detail where we have asked for further work to be undertaken by the respective delivery agencies. This includes where we have asked for schemes to be taken forward, where we have asked for schemes to be considered further or where to look at alternatives. Implementation of all schemes included in the announcement are subject to the successful completion of all necessary consultation and statutory procedures. Copies are available in the Libraries of the House.