HC Deb 24 November 1970 vol 807 c109W
Mr. Jopling

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has considered the dangers of traffic congestion on the southern sections of the M1 after the Midlands link section is opened; and what plans he has for constructing an alternative road for the benefit of this traffic.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

We are investigating urgently the best means of providing additional capacity, or otherwise improving conditions for traffic, on the 6-mile dual two-lane section of the M1 between Beechtree near Hemel Hempstead and Berrygrove near Watford. Relief for the M1 will eventually be provided by a new route being considered between Oxford and Birmingham. Such a route, linking with the M40, will provide an alternative high-class route be-London and the Midlands.