Vol. 510 No. 6
286 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to make the city streets car free during the period from 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000 period as a positive and practical contribution to improving the environment during the next millennium. [19952/99]
288 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the National Millennium Committee is considering car free city centres for the period 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000. [19953/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 288 together.
A decision on car free city streets during 31 December 1999 and 1 January 2000 is a matter for the relevant local authorities who have powers under section 75 of the Roads Act 1993, to close public roads. Any such proposal to close public roads during the period 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000 would have to have regard to the availability of public transport at that time. I understand that the national millennium committee has received no proposals for car free city centres for the period in question.
