HC Deb 16 January 1984 vol 52 cc1-2
1. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the speed with which motorway repairs are undertaken.

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Mrs. Lynda Chalker)

In general, yes, but my Department will continue to seek ways to complete the works more quickly.

Mr. Knox

Why is so much motorway under repair and why does it take so long to effect the repairs?

Mrs. Chalker

We are reducing the backlog of maintenance which began in the mid-1960s. We have been adding between 70 and 80 miles per annum to total structural renewal. Next year there will be additional expenditure of £20 million, which will enable us to renew even more miles of motorway and to make the motorways, many of which were built more than 20 years ago and which are the victims of their own success, last at least another 20 years.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Is the Minister satisfied with the speeds at which motorway buses travel? During a period of bad weather they have exceeded speed limits in many areas. Will she issue an instruction to chief constables to go much further in enforcing speed limits?

Mrs. Chalker

Instructions to chief constables are a matter for the Home Secretary. We have carried out a full survey of speeds on motorways and other main roads and we are expecting the results in the next few weeks. When we have the results of this independent check on speeds, we shall be able to make recommendations. I urge drivers of all vehicles to maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of them and to drive at speeds that are consistent with weather conditions. I was appalled by what I saw as I drove down the M6 and M1 yesterday

Mr. Pawsey

Is my hon. Friend aware that motorways that are constructed in concrete will last twice as long as those constructed in tarmacadam and that the necessary repairs will be that much less on concrete motorways? Will she undertake to construct all new motorways in concrete?

Mrs. Chalker

No. I understand the concern of hon. Members, especially that of my hon. Friend, that we should build roads that last longer. However, there are factors—for example, noise and proximity to property—that cause us to consider the most effective road surface for the area and circumstances in which it is built, and that we shall continue to do.