Bats

House of Lords written question – answered at on 12 October 2011.

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Photo of Lord Marlesford Lord Marlesford Conservative

To ask Her Majesty's Government what surveys have been made of the use by bats of the two bat bridges constructed over the A38 Dobwalls Bypass; and what conclusions have been drawn regarding the cost-effectiveness of the expenditure on those two bridges.

Photo of Earl Attlee Earl Attlee Lords Spokesperson (Department for Transport), Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The A38 Dobwalls Bypass bat bridges were specifically surveyed in June 2008 and June, July and September 2009. Bat movements were recorded directly over Havett Farm and Lantoom Quarry bat bridges and confirmed use by a range of bat species.

Further information on these structures is contained in a review of bat mitigation in relation to highway severance, which the Highways Agency recently published.

The Knowledge Programme-A Review of Bat Mitigation in Relation to Highway Severance report has been published and can be accessed via the Highways Agency website at: http://www.highways.gov.uk/knowledge_ compendium/E5C2CC34A7654CC1B4B1 FEE880FEA3CC.aspx.

While monitoring has been undertaken to confirm that the objectives of these bridges have been met, it is not a requirement to evaluate their cost-effectiveness.

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