Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 2 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 February 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Thursday, 10 February 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what research his Department has undertaken into the benefits of tram/light railway systems (a) in the UK and (b) in other European Union countries; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to Reports on Manchester Metrolink and South Yorkshire Supertram, copies in Library DEP 00/330.

Answer: Mr. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has undertaken into the benefits of tram/light railway systems (a) in the UK and (b) in other European Union countries; and if he will make a statement. [108726] Mr. Hill: My Department has contributed to studies on the impact of Manchester Metrolink, South Yorkshire Supertram and Croydon Tramlink. Reports on Manchester Metrolink and South Yorkshire Supertram have now been completed. The Department has also funded a report into light rail and complementary measures, which covers European systems. This was published in May 1998. A follow-up study is being undertaken. Copies of the completed reports have been placed in the Library.

Secondary information