Motorway Network

HC Deb 21 May 1984 vol 60 cc671-3

12. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied that the current motorway network is adequate for the present level of traffic.

Mrs. Chalker

Except where improvements or additions are already under construction or are planned, the network is adequate at present.

Mr. Knox

Does my hon. Friend agree that the volume of traffic on some stretches of motorway—particularly on the M1 and M6—is excessive and that there is a strong argument for building new stretches of motorway to complement these busy stretches, thereby easing congestion?

Mrs. Chalker

I am sure my hon. Friend is well aware that my Department's proposals for the extension of the M40 will, if they go ahead, considerably ease passage on the M1. By increasing total expenditure on motorways and trunk roads by 22 per cent. over the next three years we are doing our best to keep up with the increasing amount of traffic using our roads.

Mr. Pike

Does the Minister agree that the motorway network and traffic levels in Lancashire would be made more adequate if the Government decided to link the M65 with the M6? When can we expect a decision on the restoration of that motorway scheme to the Government's programme?

Mrs. Chalker

I understand the hon. Gentleman's impatience, and I shall be only too glad when we reach a decision on the matter. I expect that will be fairly soon, but the hon. Gentleman must realise that the north-west has been provided with more motorways than many other areas which have waited a long time for an improvement to their infrastructure.

Mr. Richard Page

I compliment my hon. Friend on the pressure that she has exerted to ensure that the M25 is completed, but can she say whether any studies have been made on the introduction of flexibility and extra lanes, if required, as the traffic build-up, especially through my constituency, already suggests that that motorway will be heavily over-subscribed? Will the existing arrangements be adequate?

Mrs. Chalker

We have, of course, made provision in certain parts of the M25 for four-lane carriageways. I understand what my hon. Friend is saying, but until we have completed the remainder—slightly less that 50 per cent.—of the M25, there will be some unnatural flows of vehicles seeking to use the route in a different way. I must ask my hon. Friend to be patient, but I assure him that we have the matter under serious consideration.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Does the Minister appreciate that the smugness of her answer to the original question will be much resented in Wales, given that the Severn bridge is very much part of the M4? What is she going to do about all the difficulties with the bridge, the persistent hold-ups, one-lane traffic and, most recently, the fact that an overtime ban is being enforced by those employed on essential repairs?

Mrs. Chalker

I have no intention of being smug about any answer that I give in the House. As the hon. Gentleman knows, our studies on the Severn crossing and what is to be done with it are a matter for maximum priority by the Department. I shall certainly look into the matter if there are industrial relations problems. However, I dare say that the hon. Gentleman and some of his hon. Friends could do a lot to help solve them instead of making unfounded statements.

Sir Dudley Smith

What is the state of play with the M40, which will ultimately link Birmingham and London? My hon. Friend will be well aware it has been in gestation for nearly 15 years.

Mrs. Chalker

I am only too well aware of the problems which a long period of planning and going through the public inquiry system can bring about. However, the report has appeared in our Department during the past fortnight. We shall be progressing it thoroughly and as quickly as possible. I hope to make an announcement by the end of the year, after my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport have considered its details. On present plans, we expect construction to start in 1987, as in 1985 we shall have to complete the side roads, compulsory purchase orders and any possible inquiries.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

Is it not a fact that poorly repaired motorways have caused some of the delay, that there is no real need to increase the motorway network, and that, with a speedy recovery and construction of the M25, there will be no further problems?

Mrs. Chalker

I cannot say that my crystal ball is as accurate as that of my hon. Friend and that there might not be problems in future. Although we are taking every possible step to minimise the effect on road users of repairing our roads, so that they last another 20 years, we must keep a watching brief on the development of different modes of transport in Britain.