To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the extra costs to British business of congestion on the road and motorway network. (95081)

[holding answer 19 October 2006]: The Secretary of State for Transport is in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on a range of issues. Sir Rod Eddington is currently studying the long-term impact of transport decisions on the UK's productivity, stability and growth, within the context of the Government's commitment to sustainable development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department plans to take to reduce traffic congestion in (a) the West Midlands region and (b) Coventry. (95772)

The seven West Midlands Metropolitan districts are jointly looking at congestion problems in the conurbation and the role that demand management, and specifically road pricing, could play in addressing them. They published a report of their initial findings on 22 September and are working with officials from the Department in taking this forward.

The Department for Transport has also been working with the Metropolitan districts to develop a five year ‘Urban Congestion Target’ to reduce the impact of traffic growth on the Metropolitan network, which includes targeting routes within Coventry. In the period up to 2011, the Metropolitan districts will receive over £230 million in Local Transport Plan settlements and were allocated over £90 million through the Regional Funding Allocations for major schemes that will deliver improved public transport.