Local Transport Bill [HL]

I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Hanningfield, for bringing up those issues which authorities need to consider in carrying out reviews of governance arrangements in their areas. I agree that how far existing transport arrangements in an area are integrated and sustainable are key issues which authorities would have to take into account. For instance, authorities in an existing integrated transport area carrying out a review will want to consider whether the existing arrangements whereby the ITA has overall responsibility for public transport in the area, while roads are a matter for individual councils, enables effective integration, or whether changes are needed. Similarly, authorities in an area where there is no ITA will want to consider how effective integration of transport services is best achieved. The sustainability of present and future transport arrangements in their area is also one of the most fundamental issues which authorities will need to consider. We consider that transport that is effective and efficient will also be transport which is integrated and sustainable. Similarly, transport which is integrated and sustainable will be transport that is effective and efficient—a rose by any other name. That being so, it does not immediately appear to us that there is a gap in the present intentions of the Bill which needs to be filled. Although the Bill does not define precisely the meaning of ““effectiveness and efficiency””, we are quite clear that reviews should address the whole range of transport issues in an area, including integration and sustainability, as they will other key issues such as safety and accessibility. As has already been mentioned—we will return to the matter later—Clause 83 allows for the Secretary of State to issue guidance to authorities on carrying out reviews; a draft of the guidance has already been placed in the Library of the House. The guidance will set out those matters which could and should be the subject of a review and which authorities will need take into account. We are clear that sustainability and integration are to be at the forefront of these, and that will be made clear in the guidance. However, I am happy to agree that we should take the matter away, consider it further and return to it on Report. Adding the words suggested by the noble Lord, Lord Hanningfield, may have unexpected consequences. He will understand that I cannot give a guarantee at this stage but I am very happy to take the issue away and have another look.