Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposed concrete sleeper factory in Bescot on congestion in the surrounding area.

The proposal for a facility in Bescot is being developed by Network Rail to produce the sleepers necessary for them to maintain, renew, and enhance our rail network.

The facility requires the grant of full planning permission by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, the statutory local planning authority. The planning process involves an Environmental Impact Assessment that examines impacts including air quality, noise, traffic, and public health.