Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether traffic marshals were first employed on the Westminster estate because a specific safety risk was identified; and if so, what alternative forms of mitigation were considered and what cost was identified in relation to each alternative.

The nature of the estate means that full segregation of works traffic from pedestrian routes is not possible, unless large sections of the estate were closed during construction works. As outlined in the response to QWAs HL5748 and HL9893, the current need for traffic marshals on the estate is a result of construction work underway as part of the New Palace Yard Security project. This means that the safety benefits of traffic marshals cannot be achieved by other means. As corporate officers, the Clerks of both Houses are legally responsible for the safety of members, staff and visitors on the estate. The need for marshals has been identified through risk assessments, up to date guidance from the Health and Safety executive, and construction industry best practice.