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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Richard Burden on 2016-02-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent representations his Department has received on laser pens being pointed at aircraft in flight.

Mr Robert Goodwill

This Department has received 7 representations following the laser incident involving a Virgin Atlantic aircraft travelling from London Heathrow to New York JFK on 14^th February 2016.

These representations have been concerned with a range of questions around the frequency of laser strikes and whether legislation should be introduced to place a ban on the sale of laser pens. A cross-Whitehall discussion has been arranged to explore these options and consider what further measures could be taken to address the threat from the misuse of laser pens.

There is specific legislation prohibiting the use of laser pens against aircraft. Under the Air Navigation Order (2009), it is an offence to direct or shine any light at any aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract the pilot of the aircraft

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Richard Burden on 2016-02-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many projects under the Road Investment Strategy are (a) completed, (b) ongoing and (c) still to be launched, by region; how many of those projects which are ongoing are (i) on schedule and (ii) on budget, by region; and how many of those projects which have been completed were on or under budget, by region.

Andrew Jones

North East & Yorkshire

Of the 112 projects listed in the RIS, 20 of these will be delivered in this region.

1 scheme has opened for traffic on schedule.

4 schemes are currently in construction – 3 are forecast to complete ahead of schedule and 1 on schedule.

Of the remaining 15 planned schemes 1 is forecast ahead of schedule, 1 forecast behind schedule and 13 on schedule.

North West

17 schemes are included for this region.

4 schemes are currently in construction – 2 are forecast to complete ahead of schedule and 2 on schedule.

Of the remaining 13 planned schemes 2 are forecast ahead of schedule and 11 on schedule.

Midlands

Total of 26 scheme in this region.

3 schemes have opened for traffic, 2 ahead of schedule and 1 behind schedule.

6 schemes are currently in construction – 4 are forecast to complete ahead of schedule and 2 on schedule.

Of the remaining 17 planned schemes 3 are forecast ahead of schedule and 14 on schedule.

South West

Total of 7 schemes in this region.

1 is in construction and is forecast behind schedule.

The remaining 6 planned schemes are all on schedule.

South East & London

Total of 26 schemes in this region.

2 are in construction, 1 is forecast ahead of schedule and 1 on schedule

Of the remaining 24 planned projects all are on schedule.

East

Total of 16 schemes.

2 are in construction and both are forecast ahead of schedule.

The remaining planned 14 schemes, 1 is forecast ahead of schedule and 13 are on schedule.

Overall schemes which are under construction are coming in or under budget. For schemes under development we would expect some movement in timescales or costs but overall Highways England is on course to deliver its commitments within the allocated funding.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Richard Burden on 2016-02-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 January 2016 to Question 21012 on roads: floods, what recent assessment his Department has made of (a) the extent of damage caused by the winter floods, (b) the estimated cost of such damage, (c) the timetable for repairs and (d) relevant projects which have been identified as national priorities.

Andrew Jones

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 22 January 2016, UIN 23151 (http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2clords&uin=23151).

The Government is determined to help hard working families and local businesses in flood affected areas as quickly as possible. The Department for Transport continues to work closely with all affected highway authorities as they finalise their assessments to local highway infrastructure prior to final assessment and consideration of what further support and assistance may be provided.

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Richard Burden on 2016-02-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Volkswagen on the provision of additional staffing in the UK during its repair programme.

Andrew Jones

The Government expects Volkswagen to treat its UK consumers fairly and adequately address their concerns. The Secretary of State pressed Volkswagen UK on their plans for the recall of affected vehicles, including for managing the additional workload, in a meeting on 10 December. He urged Volkswagen to resolve swiftly this unacceptable situation for both their customers and the British public. Departmental officials continue to meet regularly with Volkswagen on this issue.