Transport Safety Written Answers from the 2 days before Christmas recess:
Healthier Travel Options: Commuters
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department has taken to implement (a)greener and (b) healthier travel options for commuters. [31079]
Norman Baker: The coalition agreement commits to supporting sustainable travel initiatives, including walking and cycling. The introduction of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, funded to £560 million over this Parliament, will enable the delivery by local transport authorities of sustainable transport solutions geared, among other things, to bringing about changing patterns of travel behaviour and greater use of more sustainable transport modes and so deliver a reduction in carbon and other harmful emissions. It will also facilitate the delivery of additional wider social, environmental, health and safety benefits for local communities, including commuters.
In addition, the recently published public health White Paper-Healthy Lives, Healthy People-promotes active travel and physical activity, as well as emphasising the importance of road safety.
Motorways: Speed Limits
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which sections of the (a) M5, (b) M6, (c) M1, (d) M25,(e) M4 and (f) M3 are subject to lower speed limits because they do not meet current visibility requirements or have sub-geometric features. [31889]
Mike Penning: There are no sections of M5, M6, M1, M3 or M25 which are subject to lower statutory speed limits because they do not meet current visibility requirements or have sub-geometric features. There are, however, two locations on the M5 between junctions 1 and 4 where advisory speed limits of 50 mph are in place. One is on an elevated section between junctions 1 and 2 (Oldbury) and the other is at junction 4 (Lydiate Ash); both are due to the locations having a tight radius curve.
The M4 eastbound between junction 4 and just prior to the start of the elevated section just before junction 2 is subject to a permanent mandatory speed limit of 60 mph due to sub-geometric features.
The M4 eastbound just prior to the start of the elevated section at junction 2 to the end of the elevated section at junction 1 is subject to a permanent mandatory speed limit of 40 mph due to sub- geometric features.
The M4 westbound from junction 1 to the end of the elevated section just past junction 2 is subject to a permanent mandatory speed limit of 40 mph due to sub-geometric features.
The M4 junction 4 to junction 4a Heathrow Spur (both directions) is subject to a permanent mandatory speed limit of 50 mph due to sub-geometric features.
Motorcycles: Licensing
Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will implement the Third European Driving Licence Directive to allow novice motorcycle licence holders to progress through each licensing category stage via a training rather than a testing route; and if he will make a statement. [30998]
Mike Penning: The issue is being considered as part of the review of the motorcycle test announced on 8 June 2010.
