Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State is aware that TfL has no mandate beyond London, and there are concerns about extending the peak hours system to areas outside London.
Does the Secretary of State agree that TfL has absolutely no mandate to increase the price on rail fares to Tonbridge by extending the peak hours system in London to areas where contactless is now being considered? Will she assure me that rail fares to Tonbridge and Borough Green will not go up through a contactless increase?
The expansion of the contactless system to wider areas of the south-east is welcomed by many Members across this House, given the convenience it offers. However, if the right hon. Gentleman has concerns regarding fare increases for his constituents in Tonbridge and Borough Green due to contactless implementation, he can write to me with details of his concern, and I will be happy to respond.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not explicitly commit to preventing fare increases but offered to review the matter if provided specific detail.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
East West Rail promises transformative changes for the town of Bletchley, unlocking economic potential through improved rail connectivity between key cities.
Will the Secretary of State meet me and key strategic partners to discuss how we can realise the opportunity provided by East West Rail for the revitalisation of Bletchley?
I am very happy to ask the Rail Minister to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the transformative potential of East West Rail for his constituency, as I have seen from his recent Instagram post explaining some improvements at Bletchley station.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The Spring bridge in Cheltenham, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, requires urgent work due to a landslip. The current Liberal Democrat administration needs help from the Government.
What can the Government do to help the current Liberal Democrat administration speed up the work on repairing the Spring bridge and will they encourage the county council to open one lane as soon as possible?
I suggest that the hon. Member may wish to advise his council on considering the process for securing money from the structures fund, which we will announce details of in the new year. This fund is designed to help resolve situations such as those described by the hon. Gentleman.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There is growing evidence of dangers caused by headlight glare, with the Department undertaking its own research on the issue.
Could the Minister give an indication of when new regulations might be brought forward to reduce the risks associated with headlight glare?
Last year we commissioned groundbreaking independent research to better understand problems related to headlight glare. We are looking at the matter and considering how it might be taken forward, although—given that the issue is subject to international vehicle regulations—the process may take time.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide a specific timeframe but indicated ongoing work and consideration of regulatory changes.
Response accuracy