HC Deb 19 April 2004 vol 420 cc315-6W
Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the percentage change in(a) deaths and (b) serious injuries on the roads of Birkenhead has been since 1997. [166496]

Dr. Howells

The available information relates to local authority areas. For Wirral metropolitan district, which includes the constituency of Birkenhead, the number of deaths in road accidents rose by 20 per cent. from 10 in 1997 to 12 in 2002, the latest year for which information is available; and the number of serious injuries fell by 3 per cent., from 178 in 1997 to 173 in 2002. Estimates on the basis of parliamentary constituencies will become available in the summer. I shall write to my right hon. Friend with figures for Birkenhead and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many rural bus services in Birkenhead are supported by rural bus grants. [166498]

Dr. Howells

Rural Bus Subsidy Grant (RBSG) is paid to local transport authorities, in the case of Birkenhead this is the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive (PTE). It is for the authority to decide which services should be supported with the grant. We understand from the PTE that no rural bus services in Birkenhead are provided by RBSG.

Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the effect of investment in railway improvements over the next 10 years upon residents of Birkenhead. [166500]

Dr. Howells

Merseytravel Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) is responsible for improving services and facilities for passengers on the Merseyrail network. Network Rail is responsible for maintaining and renewing the infrastructure.

The PTE has plans for a number of improvements over the next 10 years. These include refurbishment of Hamilton Square station and enhancement of bus/rail interchange facilities; major rebuild of Bidston, making the station fully accessible and developing a strategic park and ride site served by the station; electrification of the line between Bidston and Woodchurch including upgrade of Upton Station and introduction of associated park and ride facilities; and investigation into making Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Rock Ferry and Green Lane stations fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

A new waiting room and Customer Information Services at Birkenhead Central, together with new Customer Information Services at Green Lane, are being provided through the Strategic Rail Authority's Modern Facilities at Stations Programme. In addition, Merseyrail rolling stock will be fully refurbished by the end of 2004. The refurbishment includes the provision of CCTV, dedicated wheelchair spaces and cycle racks.