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Dept for Transport

Answer

Mr. Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with the Mayor of London the possibility of suspending the congestion charge on days when industrial action on the buses or railways affects people travelling into Greater London. [182398] Dr. Howells: The London congestion charging scheme is the responsibility of the Mayor. Transport for London's proposals to counter the effects of any industrial action are based on the measures adopted on previous occasions, namely: to work with all public transport service providers to ensure best use is made of available resources; to ensure that details of alternative walking options are readily available to those arriving at London termini by National Rail services, to avoid swamping bus and taxi services with short distance riders; to introduce supplementary river services between Tower Pier and Westminster/Waterloo piers during peak periods, taking account of funding issues, and availability of suitable vessels; providing and updating information via the media and existing websites on journey options for those intending to travel on days when industrial action is due to take place; and to liaise with other public transport operators whose services have recently been affected by strike action, to identify any improvement to the range of options relating to alternative service provision. Final decisions on proposed measures are taken once notification has been received of the dates and duration of any strike action.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

182398; 423 c707W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Concessions Greater London Industrial disputes Roads Tolls

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk