The joint, select committee-style inquiry by the All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group and pteg holds its second hearing today at Westminster after getting off to a strong start with its first hearing, held on 27th Oct.

The inquiry is considering progress made in developing modern trams in the UK and examining how barriers to tram scheme development and implementation can be tackled.

Last week’s hearing saw discussion cover a range of topics, from the challenges of peak oil and climate change to the potential of ultra light rail technology and the impact of light rail on health. Witnesses submitting evidence to the first hearing included the Light Rail Transit Association, the Oil Depletion Analysis Centre and the Confederation of Passenger Transport.

At today’s session, the panel, chaired by Paul Rowen MP, will hear evidence from Campaign for Better Transport, pteg, KPMG and Keolis, with discussion set to encompass localism and devolution, appraisal and value for money as well as European perspectives and the views of scheme promoters, such as Nottingham City Council.

The last hearing, due to take place on 25 November, will include evidence from business leaders, procurement specialists and scheme operators, giving the panel a broad evidence base to draw upon.

Further details of the inquiry can be found here.

ENDS

For more information contact Jonathan Bray on 0113 251 7445 / 0781 904 1485

pteg represents the six Passenger Transport Executives which serve 11 million people in the largest urban areas outside London.

The All-Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group (APPLRG) provides a mechanism to examine issues concerning light rail; to raise awareness of those issues among parliamentarians; to provide a forum for discussion and debate on those issues; and to generate recommendations for the government to improve light rail and ultra-light rail.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The Inquiry Panel is: Paul Rowen MP (Chair) (Rochdale), Tom Harris MP (Glasgow South), Graham Stringer MP (Manchester Blackley), Clive Betts (Sheffield Attercliffe) and Lord Peter Bowness.
2. The Inquiry Panel is meeting three times to consider evidence and hear from interested parties at the House of Commons. The Inquiry dates are: 27 October 2009, 3 November 2009 and 25 November 2009.
3. Terms of Reference are available from pteg – interested parties should contact matt.brunt@pteg.net or go to the Inquiry Webhub (see below).
4. Written evidence and transcripts of the inquiry sessions will be published on the Inquiry Webhub.
5. A report of the Inquiry’s findings is intended to be published in early 2010.