HC Deb 16 June 1971 vol 819 cc428-9
13. Mr. Trew

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reports he has had of nuisance from traffic noise on the newly-opened Dartford diversion; and what action he proposes.

Mr. Graham Page

Complaints have been received from an association of residents in Wilmington and district and other private individuals mainly in this area. An investigation is being carried out, and I will write to my hon. Friend when this has been completed.

Mr. Trew

While the new road is generally welcomed for the contribution that it will make to reducing accidents and road congestion, it is causing disturbance and distress to residents of Wilmington along a comparatively short stretch. As the wholly exceptional traffic noise is said to be due largely to the nature of the concrete surface, will the Minister give directions for the length to be tarmacadammed? Will he also consider providing sound baffles and restricting speed, and, if those measures fail, will he consider double-glazing grants for those most affected? Finally, will the Minister investigate the allegation, made in a letter from one of my constituents, that at the public inquiry it was indicated that the level of the road would be much lower than it is?

Mr. Page

Those are the kinds of thing that are now under investigation. This is a concrete non-skid surface, which has been used elsewhere. I have enlisted the aid of the Road Research Laboratory to try to find out why there is this noise. When we have its report, I shall see what can be done.