§ 16. Sir Raymond Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has so far been made in bypassing urbanised centres in Wales; what other methods he plans for the diversion of very heavy vehicles from cities, towns and large villages; and what discussions he has had with highway authorities in the Principality about these matters.
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasThere are frequent discussions between the Welsh Office and local highway authorities about highway matters.
Since May 1979 eight communities on trunk roads have been relieved of through traffic by the provision of bypasses or other trunk road improvements. These include Carmarthen and Llanfair PG bypasses, which have been opened in the past few months. Further bypasses are under construction and planned. As regards other roads, local authorities in Wales were reminded of the powers that they have to control and ameliorate the effects of heavy lorries on the environment of our towns and villages.
§ Sir Raymond GowerI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Does he agree that, in view of the size of many vehicles, this matter should continue to enjoy the highest priority?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI entirely agree with my hon. Friend. I shall do all that I can to help.
§ Mr. Ioan EvansWill the Minister bear in mind the need to increase traffic on the railways? Does he agree that the heavy traffic that is causing problems on the Severn bridge and elsewhere could be diverted to the railways if the Government adopted a policy of encouragement and investment for the railways?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasThat may be true in some instances, but the growth in lorries has led to great 13 changes, and for many small towns and villages there is no alternative to the policy that the Government are now pursuing.