Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Transport (Duty to Cooperate) 2025-04-01

01 April 2025 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ben Spencer raised concerns about transport (duty to cooperate) 2025-04-01 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The MP for Runnymede and Weybridge argued for a statutory duty to cooperate among transport authorities to reduce disruptions.
  • Dr Spencer proposed a Bill aimed at enhancing coordination and communication between transport authorities and providers.
  • The MP cited National Highways incurring an annual cost of 3 billion due to transport delays.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge

The MP for Runnymede and Weybridge argued that there is a need for transport authorities and other specified persons to cooperate in order to reduce transport disruption and ensure the effective operation of transport networks. He cited numerous examples of planned works causing excessive disruptions, such as full M25 closures coinciding with rail engineering work and repeated utility digs on local roads. Dr Spencer proposed his Bill which aims at establishing a statutory duty to coordinate these efforts, thereby enhancing communication between authorities and providers. The MP emphasised the economic cost associated with transport delays, estimating that National Highways alone incurs costs of £3 billion annually due to such disruptions.

Other contributors (1)
  • Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge

    He highlighted the importance of better planning and coordination in transport infrastructure projects, arguing that this would prevent much of the local disruption witnessed in Runnymede and Weybridge. He mentioned Surrey county council’s efforts to improve communication between various providers through a new taskforce and called for mandatory onsite signage for emergency works, improved information dissemination by the lead agency, and swift completion of works to reduce delays.

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