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 analysis, Switching to sustainable transport: a rapid evidence assessment, published on 12 February 2021, what guidance has he provided to local authorities on (a) planning, (b) developing (c) and investing in new car parking infrastructure in towns and city centres.

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.