§ 10. Dr. Michael Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the peak hours traffic density on the A127 and the A13 in the latest year for which figures are available; and how these densities compare with those on similar trunk roads in conurbations elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAverage peak hour flows on the A13 and A127 inside Greater London are 4,000 and 3,700 respectively. Those densities are comparable with those for similar trunk roads in conurbations.
§ Dr. ClarkAre there any long-term plans for a motorway to serve south-east Essex, bearing in mind the high traffic density on the A13 and A127? Can my hon. Friend assure the House that the dualling of the A13 will be speeded up and that some attention will be given to the London end of the A13 and the A127, where traffic congestion is unacceptable?
§ Mrs. ChalkerThere are no plans for motorways in Essex in the way that my hon. Friend describes. However, we are conscious that until the M25 is fully open there will continue to be usage of the A13 and the A127 by traffic which might otherwise use the M25 and other routes. There are plans to improve the A13 at its junction with the A117. That was added to the programme in May 1983. At the moment we are checking over alternative routes at Rainham on the A13 to try to help the congestion that 605 occurs in the narrow areas of the A13 where it has not yet been dualled. Further than that, we have plans, but they will gradually come together over the coming months, and when the review of the trunk road network is complete I shall have more information for my hon. Friend.