asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 20 November (WA 67–8), what timetable is set for the road-pricing demonstrations project; and when it is hoped that a decision will be made about whether to progress the project. [HL530]

The Government have now entered into a competitive dialogue process with potential bidders who are seeking to support the road-pricing demonstrations project. The expectation is that this dialogue will be completed and a framework agreement established by late spring 2008, shortly after which the first demonstration will commence.