HC Deb 21 November 1962 vol 667 cc1202-3
31. Mr. A. Evans

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with plans for a motorway to connect the M.1 road with the London Docks.

Mr. Marples

My long-term plan is to connect the M.1 to the London Docks by way of M.10, the South Mimms By-Pass, the "D" Ring Road, the Bishops Stortford Motorway and the Docks Relief Road. These will all be dual carriageway roads of high standard, but not all will be special roads.

The M.10 and the South Mimms By-Pass are already open. I hope to publish a draft Order under Section 7 of the Highways Act, 1959, in respect of this section of the "D" Ring Road in a few months. Consulting engineers have been appointed to survey a line for the Bishops Stortford Motorway. No detailed work has yet been undertaken on the final section.

Mr. Evans

Would the Minister say, as near as he can, how long-term this project is? Does he fully realise the aid which this motorway would give to deal with the severe congestion in the northern Metropolitan area, and that the early completion of this project would save him a lot of time, trouble and money expended on road widening schemes in the outlying parts of London?

Mr. Marples

I am aware of the urgency of this matter and that is why, in my original Answer, I gave the House a comprehensive review of what is happening. A great deal is happening. We want to move ahead as fast as we can, but however fast we move, under the statutory process we have laid down in Parliament. it will be some time before this is complete. Therefore, one must proceed with such things as the widening of Archway Road and the new route which I recently announced and which is being carefully considered. The permanent solution will be as I outlined in my Answer.

Mr. K. Robinson

Has the Minister yet reached a decision about the interim proposal for a lorry route? Can he assure the House that in no circumstances will it go through Highgate Village?

Mr. Marples

I cannot give that assurance. I am re-examining the proposal in the light of the many detailed comments and suggestions which have been made in response to my original announcement. I promised that any constructive suggestions put forward as an alternative to my suggestion would be considered and that is what has been consuming a lot of time. I must honour that pledge and I intend to continue to do so.