HC Deb 11 November 1969 vol 791 cc161-2
16. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Transport what study he is making of the provision of sound-proofing on urban sections of motorways; it he will develop sound-proofing on the urban section of the MI motorway running through Luton; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bob Brown

A temporary experimental sound barrier is to be erected shortly on the MI near Markyate but Luton would not be suitable for this initial experiment. We must await the results of the present experiment before deciding whether sound barriers should be provided on other sections of the motorway.

Mr. Roberts

But would my hon. Friend not agree that it is simple common sense that it is far better to test the sound-proofing system in urban areas than rural areas, as one gets not only meter readings in urban areas but also human reactions? This section in Luton of the M1 is one of the few urban sections outside London.

Mr. Brown

I would not agree with my hon. Friend. The first task is to determine the acoustic properties of the proposed new barrier. The next stage will be the development of a more permanent type of barrier, suitable not only acoustically but also aesthetically for an urban area. We will be pursuing this experiment, of course, in an urban area later.

Mr. Galbraith

How much per mile does the hon. Gentleman expect the permanent barrier to cost, and of what sort of material will it be made?

Mr. Brown

Clearly, the purpose of the experiment is to discover the best types of material. The experiment will cost £15,000.