Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Department for Transport's recent research, Switching to sustainable transport: a rapid evidence assessment, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of his Department and it's agencies ceasing to plan, promote, develop or invest in new car parking facilities in their current project pipelines.

In light of the report Switching to sustainable transport: a rapid evidence assessment, commissioned by the Department for Transport, there are currently no plans to prevent Government agencies and public bodies from planning or developing new city centre car parks in towns and cities. Government recognises the link between parking provision, local transport policy and the vitality of our high streets and towns centres. However, operationally, parking is the responsibility of local authorities and it is for them to determine what is appropriate in their own area.