To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what requirements exist for bus operators running buses in central London to carry (a) transponders, (b) transponders compatible with those of other bus companies in central London and (c) transponders that can be used in conjunction with electronic time of arrival systems at bus stops. [6431]

This is an operational matter for London Transport Buses. I understand that 21 per cent. of bus services in London are now covered by automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems, almost all of which can be linked to the Countdown electronic passenger information system at bus stops. By the end of 1999 almost all of London's buses should have AVL. In addition, 65 per cent. of buses already carry separate transponders to operate systems to provide priority at some 300 traffic signals, principally in outer London.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Governments policy in respect of traffic signals to be activated by transponders in buses. [6432]

We encourage local highway authorities, in conjunction with bus operators, to look for ways of giving priority to buses in traffic. This is an important way in which buses can be made a more attractive choice of travel. The use of transponders to give priority to buses at traffic signals is one means of doing this.