HC Deb 10 February 1977 vol 925 cc749-50W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is his estimate of the effect of the Batts Ford Bridge project of the declaration of a traffic free pedestrian precinct in the town centre by North Bedford Council;

(2) what are the current estimated costs of the Batts Ford Bridge project and that of the western relief road in Bedford; and what is his estimate of the increase in cost likely to be experienced when either project become a reality under DOE planning;

(3) assuming the construction of the Batts Ford Bridge project in Bedford, what he estimates would be the implications of traffic moving in and out of the town in areas north of the river.

Mr. Horam

These are matters which are the responsibility of Bedfordshire County Council as highway authority.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the volume of traffic which his Department calculates will use the A428 through Bedford in the next five years in view of the construction of a modified A45 north of Bedfordshire; and what implications this project will have for the A428 and Bromham Bridge.

Mr. Horam

The present volume of 15,000 vehicles per day is expected to increase by about 2 per cent. per annum. The proposed new M1-A1 east-west route to the north of Bedfordshire is unlikely to have significant implications for the A428—including Bromham Bridge—in the locality of Bedford.