§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what vehicles are required only to use the nearside or slow lane during the current extensive roadworks on the M6 motorway; and on what basis these particular vehicles are selected for these restrictions.
§ Mr. HoramThere are two stretches of roadworks which make it necessary to close one carriageway completely. At junction 3, heavy vehicles are directed to use the hard shoulder while lighter vehicles are directed to use the left-hand lane. This enables heavy vehicles to leave the motorway without crossing the path of lighter vehicles. There is no slip road within the length of the roadworks 835W near junction 14, and as the hard shoulder is not strong enough for heavy vehicles, they are directed to remain in the left-hand lane while light vehicles use the hard shoulder.