§ 32. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for 1204 the establishment of an adequate approach road to the Dartford Tunnel from the south.
§ Mr. MarplesA new road constructed as part of the tunnel works will link the tunnel with A.2. Beyond that point the Kent County Council has on my behalf surveyed a route for the construction of the first section of the South Orbital Road I am awaiting its observations on alternative proposals which have been submitted. I will then consider the final recommendations and publish the necessary Orders under the Highways Act, 1959.
§ Mr. IrvingIs the Minister aware that a recent origin and destination survey showed that 13,000 passenger car units a day already use the road from the south and that a further 28,000 use the A.2? Will he indicate that any delay in constructing the new approach road will mean that the advantages which will occur in the opening of the tunnel next year will be lost because of the congestion which will occur on the present roads? Will he, therefore, give greater priority to the construction of this road than appears to be the case at present?
§ Mr. MarplesI do not think it is a question of priorities. The evidence which the hon. Member mentions will certainly be taken into account, but there have been difficulties and considerable opposition to the South Orbital Road, oddly enough in the Orpington area, where there seems to be opposition in all sorts of ways. But they have prepared an alternative and I will consider that. I will also consider what the hon. Member said in his supplementary question.