Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Attlee (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 June 2010.

Transport: Roads

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they give on whether the same organisation can carry out the environmental impact assessment and the route design for a road project.

Answer: There are no restrictions on the same organisation carrying out the environmental impact assessment and the road design for a road project. The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges published by The Stationery Office and produced by the Highways Agency for the Department of Transport provides the guidance for the environmental impact assessment of trunk road projects. The guidance is based on the principle that assessment and design are very closely linked and are part of an iterative process. It has been industry best practice for many years that the designers of projects also carry out the environmental impact assessment as they are often best placed to undertake that assessment.

Secondary information