Asked by: David Evennett (Conservative - Bexleyheath and Crayford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that there are no further delays to the opening of Crossrail beyond March 2021.
Answered by Andrew Jones
On 25 April 2019, Crossrail Ltd (CRL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transport for London, announced that it had agreed a plan to complete the outstanding works and bring the Elizabeth line into passenger service at the earliest possible date.
Given the risks and uncertainties remaining on the project, CRL has identified a six-month delivery window for opening of the central section with a midpoint at the end of 2020.
The revised schedule will continue to be tested by CRL and the CRL Board through a thorough assurance process including close scrutiny from the Project Representative. The schedule will also be subject to challenge from both the Department and TfL as joint Sponsors.
Asked by: David Evennett (Conservative - Bexleyheath and Crayford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending Crossrail to Ebbsfleet.
Answered by Andrew Jones
At this crucial stage of the Crossrail project, it is essential that Government remains focused on the full delivery of the current agreed scheme as its priority.
Government is supporting local partners to develop a business case for enhancing transport services between Abbey Wood and Ebbsfleet and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has recently announced that they are providing £4.85 million to develop low-cost proposals, subject to suitable housing ambition.
MHCLG have been clear that any transport enhancements would require a strong final business case with a detailed evidence base that demonstrates that the scheme would be technically feasible, offer value for money (including the identification of funding) and deliver ambitious new housing in the area.
Asked by: David Evennett (Conservative - Bexleyheath and Crayford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress he has made on announcing the successful bidder of the South Eastern Rail Franchise.
Answered by Andrew Jones
The South Eastern franchise competition is currently in the evaluation phase. The Department is working to achieve the best possible outcome for passengers and taxpayers, an announcement will be made in due course.
Asked by: David Evennett (Conservative - Bexleyheath and Crayford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 November 2018 to Question 190369, what the average journey time was to cross the Dartford Crossing (a) northbound and (b) southbound at peak times in each of the last six months.
Answered by Michael Ellis
The tables below contain average peak hours (6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm) journey time data for the northbound and southbound route which encompasses the Dartford Crossing.
This data covers the most recent 6-month period available and has been produced in line with the commitment made by Highways England in the response to Parliamentary question 190369.
Northbound Route | ||
Month | AM Peak (Mins:Seconds) | PM Peak (Mins:Seconds) |
July 2018 | 07:24 | 12:58 |
August 2018 | 06:35 | 13:22 |
September 2018 | 06:36 | 11:09 |
October 2018 | 07:06 | 10:27 |
November 2018 | 07:54 | 10:09 |
December 2018 | 06:32 | 09:05 |
Southbound Route | ||
Month | AM Peak (Mins:Seconds) | PM Peak (Mins:Seconds) |
July 2018 | 11:42 | 14:30 |
August 2018 | 10:59 | 13:05 |
September 2018 | 10:58 | 12:31 |
October 2018 | 11:38 | 13:40 |
November 2018 | 13:32 | 13:42 |
December 2018 | 10:40 | 13:10 |
The northbound route is 4.5miles (7.2km) and the southbound route 9.5miles (15.2km). The times shown above is to travel the length of the route.
Asked by: David Evennett (Conservative - Bexleyheath and Crayford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has made to the (a) Mayor of London and (b) chair of Crossrail Ltd on additional delays to the opening of Crossrail.
Answered by Andrew Jones
The Department for Transport has regular discussions with Transport for London and Crossrail Limited regarding the Crossrail project.
Crossrail Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Transport for London, are currently working on a revised schedule for the opening of the Elizabeth line. Crossrail Limited have said that they expect to provide further detail on the revised schedule by the end of April 2019.
Asked by: David Evennett (Conservative - Bexleyheath and Crayford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to announce the successful bidder for the South Eastern Franchise.
Answered by Andrew Jones
The South Eastern franchise competition is currently in the evaluation phase. The Department is working to achieve the best possible outcome for passengers and taxpayers, and an announcement will be made in due course.