HC Deb 27 July 1978 vol 954 cc881-2W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of motorway are now open in England.

Mr. Horam

Approximately 1,268 miles of trunk road motorway. There are also 58 miles of local authority motorway.

Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Tranasport if he is satisfied with the standards of maintenance and safety on the motorways in the area of the West Midlands district council, and in particular on the Aston flyover in Birmingham; and if he will make a statement on the subject of the recent signs of deterioration discovered in the motorway system in the Birmingham district.

Mr. Horam

On the repair problems on the M5 and M6 motorways—for which I am responsible—in the Birmingham area, I have little to add to my answers to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 22nd November 1977—[Vol. 939, c. 639–42.] We have in hand a programme for the replacement of the expansion joints on the viaduct sections and are looking at ways to speed it up.

These repairs require the closure and diversion of traffic lanes. We are exam- ining what more can be done to maintain safety in these conditions. The Aston expressway and related roads are the responsibility of the West Midlands county council but I have no reason to doubt its standards of maintenance and safety.