Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Berkeley (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 9 January 2006.

Old Palace Yard

Question: My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that full Answer. I accept that the new steel barriers improve security around the Parliamentary Estate, but does she agree that they have increased danger for road users, in particular cyclists, and reduced space for pedestrians? Is there not an argument for banning road vehicle through traffic completely from Old Palace Yard and for implementing the second phase of the world squares project, which has been so successful in Trafalgar Square?

Answer: My Lords, I know that there has been a great deal of concern over the implications of the work that has been done outside Parliament. I have checked specifically not only with the House authorities but with others about risk to cyclists and, particularly, pedestrians. I can report that Westminster City Council conducted a full safety audit after the construction of the barriers and a number of its recommendations have been put in place, including extra signage, special lines on the lanes and additional markings on the barriers. We will continue to keep the matter under review. I ask Members to report any problems that they experience to the House authorities. My noble friend's second question concerned the world squares initiative. A report is in preparation and will be published later this year, following which there will be a consultation. However, any proposals in the 9 report will have a long time scale and neither the House, nor indeed Parliament, can take a decision unilaterally on the closing of the road.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 677 c7-8
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Cycling Palace of Westminster Pedestrian areas Pedestrians Security Safety Roads Road traffic control Old Palace Yard