Question time briefing: Transport

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ePolitix.com reports on Tuesday's questions to transport ministers, including details on high-speed rail and disabled access at train station platforms.

Disabled access to rail transport and rail capacity featured prominently during oral transport questions.

The government was today grilled on its progress on improving railway stations, as well as overcrowding on a number of lines.

Graham Allen (Lab, Nottingham North) argued that Nottingham has one of the most innovative transport systems in the UK. But he called on the government to secure the “vital go-ahead” for the workplace parking levy in Nottingham.

Julian Brazier, shadow minister for transport, argued that the British Chambers of Commerce has condemned workplace levies as stealth taxes, and asked why the government continues to use the transport innovation fund as a tool of manipulation.

Paul Clark, transport secretary, replied that innovation within transport is essential and local areas must be allowed to introduce schemes to maximise the attempts to deal with congestion.

John Heppell (Lab, Nottingham East) argued that the people of Nottingham should be involved in the decision on the levy.

And Alan Simpson (Lab, Nottingham South) called for joined-up government in thinking on the levy. He reminded the secretary of state that the Department for Transport has made the levy a necessary part of funding for the tram extension in Nottingham, which in turn is integral to the road building plans.

Ann Winterton (Con, Congleton) welcomed the cap on rail fares for 2010, but asked for assurance that there will be no cuts to rail services next year. She said that commuters were upset at this year’s huge hike in fares, which was over six per cent in some areas.

Louise Ellman, (Lab/Co-op, Liverpool Riverside), chair of the transport committee, added her voice in protest against the sharp rise in rail fares.

But Geoff Hoon, transport secretary, replied that in order to maintain crucial investment in the railways, fares will have to increase or the level of subsidy from the taxpayer must rise. He emphasised the importance of achieving the right balance between the two.

Norman Baker, Lib Dem transport spokesman, asked how the government can justify the reduction in its contribution to the railways.

Hoon retorted that the Liberal Democrats would cut £1bn from the transport budget.

Rob Marris (Lab, Wolverhampton West) urged the government to consider rebuilding Wolverhampton railway station

Hoon praised the local transport network as a “real transport hub for people of Wolverhampton”.

Stephen Hammond, Conservative spokesman for transport, asked why so many aspects of rail transport appear to be failing, as claimed in the recent Passenger Focus report. He highlighted that some services are operating at 170 per cent capacity, and both regulated and unregulated fares have risen by over a third.

Hoon assured Hammond that he will be meeting the train operating companies to discuss the issues raised.

Anne Snelgrove (Lab, Swindon South) highlighted the work of Swindon station and First Great Western in improving disabled access to rail transport.

And Robert Key (Con, Salisbury) argued that unmanning railway stations often means that disabled people cannot use rail transport, as they require ramps to board trains.

Clark said that the “access for all stations” scheme will affect 145 stations, along with the assisted passengers reservation system.

Jeremy Corbyn (Lab, Islington North) asked why mayor Boris Johnson appears to be cancelling programmes that support disabled people, such as step-free access. He also criticised Network Rail for similar behaviour.

Clark replied that 20 per cent of underground stations are now step-free, and that this will rise to 25 per cent by 2010. He added that many stations were built before accessibility became a high-profile issue. But he insisted that all new stations and rolling stock must meet modern standards of accessibility.

Douglas Carswell (Con, Harswich) urged the government to consider high-speed rail as a serious alternative to air transport.

Hoon replied that the new company, High Speed 2, will advise the government on how to implement proposals for high-speed rail lines in the UK.

Bob Laxton (Lab, Derby North) urged the government to ensure the UK manufacturing sector’s involvement in the high-speed rail project.

Hoon assured Laxton that the tendering decisions, which are governed by clear rules, were followed scrupulously.

Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) asked the transport secretary to ensure that that North East’s interests are considered throughout the implementation of the high-speed rail project.

Hoon replied that High Speed 2 will help the government to extend the benefits of high-speed rail across the UK.

Nick Palmer (Lab, Broxtowe) urged the minister to consider the electrification of the Midland line.

Hoon stated that a statement regarding capacity and electrification will be made later in the year.

But Theresa Villiers, opposition transport secretary, argued that the government is struggling to match the Conservative Party’s commitment for high-speed rail in the North of England.

Phyllis Starkey (Lab, Milton) expressed outrage at the performance of London Midland train company and condemned its lack of punctuality.

David Clelland (Lab, Tyne Bridge) asked the government to discuss with regional development agencies plans for regional smart cards on all modes of transport.

Angus MacNeil, SNP spokesman for transport, called for a national strategy on ticketing to apply to airlines as well as trains. He highlighted the challenges faced by customers of Flybe, who often incur fees to change tickets.

Jim Fitzpatrick, parliamentary under-secretary of state, DfT, replied that there is a criteria for refunds.

Clive Efford (Lab, Eltham) highlighted the importance of ensuring compatibility for Oyster cards with reader machines on overground networks.

Fitzpatrick responded that the government working closely with Transport for London (TfL) and train operators to reach a deal.

Sandra Gidley (Lib Dem, Romsey) argued that replacing people with ticket machines restricts disabled access to railway stations.

Topical questions:

Martin Linton (Lab, Battersea) asked when the new rail line to Clapham will be completed.

Hoon responded that TfL is committed to completing the line by 2012.

Richard Ottaway (Con, Croydon South) asked when the government will address the disruption and congestion caused by major utilities works.

Clark explained that the government is currently in consultation with a number of London authorities and Kent county council regarding proposals for road works.

Andrew Stunell (Lib Dem, Hazel Grove) highlighted the disruption caused by the new West Coast Mainline timetable.

David Taylor (Lab, Leicestershire North West) asked the government to calculate the true environmental impact of aviation on cirrus cloud formation.

Mark Hunter (Lib Dem, Cheadle) urged the government to prioritise improvements to railway stations with limited access via steep staircases.

Kerry McCarthy (Lab, Bristol East) questioned whether the issue of hard shoulder use on the M4 and M5 around Bristol is compatible with the government’s environmental objectives.

Fitzpatrick argued that use of the hard shoulder will lead to less carbon emissions than if the motorways are widened.

Philip Dunne (Con, Ludlow) condemned the idea of reducing the speed limit on single carriageways to 50 miles per hour and instead urged the government to target known accident black spots.

Fitzpatrick assured Dunne that there will be no blanket ban.

Clive Betts (Lab, Sheffield Attercliffe) called for the new high-speed rail project to be sufficiently ambitious.