HC Deb 10 June 1985 vol 80 cc628-9
8. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to improve the A127; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

The general public are currently being consulted about a proposal for an underpass at Rayleigh weir. A proposed improvement at the "Fortune of War" is also under discussion with Basildon development corporation. More central reserve safety fencing is to be provided, completing provision throughout. Further improvements will be considered when the effects of the completed M25 have been established.

Mr. Proctor

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that list of improvements. Will she confirm that the A127 is a heavily used road and that congestion occurs especially at peak commuter hours? Will not the proposal by development consortia to build a new town of more than 5,000 houses between Bulphan and West Horndon place incredible strains on the A127?

Mrs. Chalker

I have heard about the proposed development at Tillingham Hall. I am aware that an outline planning application has been made. I would expect the local planning authority to consult my Department on the traffic implications for the A127 and especially for the A128 interchange. We shall then consider carefully whether the volume of traffic on the A127 is likely to increase as a result, as traffic on the road between the junction with the M25 and the A128 has increased by about 9,000 vehicles a day since January 1984.

Mr. Amess

Is my hon. Friend aware that people from all over the United Kingdom wish to travel to Basildon but are hampered in so doing by the lack of road signs along the A127, the M25 and the Ml 1? Will she please help us, and deny that this is a conspiracy to keep the whereabouts of Basildon a secret?

Mrs. Chalker

I lived for some time just down the line from Basildon, and I can assure my hon. Friend that there is no way in which Basildon can be kept secret. I am well aware that the town wishes to be a primary destination. At present, we are conducting a major review of destination and direction signing, in which Basildon is being considered. We are improving the A127 at the junction with the B1007, which will help Basildon.

Mr. Robert Hughes

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I do not think that the A127 goes to Aberdeen.