Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Spencer this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 21–29 of 29 · Department for Transport
If she ask the Office of Road and Rail to undertake enforcement action against National Highways over ongoing disruption in the (a) Painshill roundabout and (b) local area due to the M25/A3 works.
Under the Infrastructure Act 2015, it is for ORR to determine whether National Highways is compliant with its directions and guidance and the road investment strategy (RIS) issued by government, and whether to take enforcement action.
What discussions he has had with South Western Rail on the performance of the Chertsey branch line since July 2024.
Department officials are in regular conversation with South Western Railway (SWR) on its performance in all areas of its network, including the Chertsey branch line.
If his Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of levels of service provision on the Chertsey branch line at (a) Egham, (b) Chertsey, (c) Addlestone and (c) Weybridge stations on (i) school and (ii) college attendance in the 2023-2024 academic year.
The Department is unaware of any negative impact that service provision had on the Chertsey branch line on school or college attendance in the 2023-2024 academic year. South Western Railway (SWR) is in regular direct contact with schools and colleges when service provisions are amended.
Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of levels of service provision on the Chertsey branch line on passenger safety at (a) Egham, (b) Chertsey, (c) Addlestone and (c) Weybridge stations in 2024.
There are no current safety concerns that have been raised to Department officials on the Chertsey branch line. I would welcome further information on any concerns that the Member has.
What assessment she has made of the economic impact to businesses and communities in Runnymede and Weybridge constituency of the M25/A3 improvement works.
National Highways (NH) is delivering a scheme on the M25 junction 10/A3 Wisley interchange and selected surrounding roads to reduce congestion, improve safety, support planned housing and economic growth, and improve provision for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders crossing or using routes in the vicinity of M25 junction 10. During the economic assessments of this scheme, NH appraised the economic impact of road user delays during construction, as well as the long-term benefits for the whole scheme across the aggregate area. As this did not separate out the assessment by areas, the impact in the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency specifically cannot be quantified.
If she will make a comparative estimate of the potential reduction in local noise pollution on the M25 in Runnymede and Weybridge constituency by (a) repairing the sections of concrete motorway and (b) replacing the concrete with another road surface.
National Highways has already undertaken trials to monitor the noise generated by concrete road surfaces following surface treatments (including Next Generation Concrete Surfacing) and the noise generated by other types of road surface. The outcome of the trials indicated that using low noise surface material versus Next Generation Concrete Surfacing does not result in a materially different amount of noise. Due to the cost and disruption, replacing the existing sections of concrete road surface in the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency with a low-noise material is not being pursued until it is required (predicted to be after 2040). However, Next Generation Concrete Surfacing will be undertaken across the M25 from 2026 to 2039.
If she will make an assessment of the potential impact on (a) local traffic and (b) air pollution of a direct rail link from Egham to Heathrow.
A direct rail link from Egham to Heathrow is not currently being developed by the Department for Transport. Heathrow Southern Rail Ltd (HSRL) is developing proposals for a southern rail link to the airport, and I would expect impacts on local traffic and air quality to be assessed as part of their work.
If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of lift (a) availability and (b) maintenance and repair at train stations.
This is an operational matter for Network Rail and the train operating companies. Lifts should be available whenever passengers need them, however, there have been many occasions where this has not been the case. Network Rail has been aware of lift and escalator performance issues and established an improvement strategy in October 2023. In March 2024, the independent regulator, the Office of Rail and Road carried out a review into lift performance, which reinforced the need to deliver the national improvement strategy. Since then, Network Rail has implemented new contracts, invested in strategic spares across the country and reviewed the operating model for delivering lift and escalator asset management.
What powers she has to (a) ensure the timely delivery of the M25/A3 works and (b) prevent unnecessary disruption from the works while they are under way.
National Highways has public commitment dates for delivery in their Delivery Plan and they are held to account on these dates by the Highways Monitor, Office of Rail and Road. Additionally, through the Department’s established governance framework with National Highways, there is regular reporting and meetings with ministers and officials. National Highways will continue to look at ways of minimising disruption as much as possible.