Alan Whitehead

Labour Party | Southampton Test

LESS RESTRICTIONS ON LOCAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SAYS WHITEHEAD

16 May 2007

Dr Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, yesterday asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport in the House of Commons whether she was committed to strengthening the role of community transport by relaxing the current restrictions.

Speaking afterwards Dr Whitehead said:

“It is crucial both for people living in rural areas and inner city neighbourhoods that community transport is promoted and supported in every way possible. Currently the law which dates back to 1985 restricts community transport from expanding in two ways – by limiting the number able to travel in communityy transport to 16, and by preventing the driver from being paid. I raised this point with the Minister today and was pleased at her positive response. Community transport is important for bringing people together and is often an essential lifeline to many elderly and less mobile residents. Yesterday’s response paves the way for existing community transport groups to work on a more secure basis in Southampton and Hampshire, and for new community transport opportunities to emerge.”

Speaking during Transport Questions Dr. Whitehead asked:

“What plans he has to enhance the role of community transport in the provision of bus services.”

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Gillian Merron responded:

“The community transport sector plays a valuable role in providing services that complement those of commercial operators. We are discussing with community transport sector representatives the proposals in “Putting Passengers First” to allow it to play a larger role by improving the regulatory regime that applies.”

Dr. Whitehead followed by asking:

“I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Does she accept that section 22 permits for community transport are particularly restrictive in terms of payment for drivers and the size of buses? Does she have plans to review both those aspects to make community transport more effective in local transport provision?”

Gillian Merron:

“I accept the point made by my hon. Friend, who has campaigned in support of community transport in his area and beyond for some time. “Putting Passengers First” contains proposals to lift the restrictions on paying drivers, so that they can be paid more than expenses, and to lift the 16-passenger seat limit for the size of vehicle for which permits can be issued. I hope that that will be of great support to the role of the community transport sector.”