HC Deb 17 December 1979 vol 976 cc80-1W
Mr. Penhaligon

asked the Minister of Transport how much of the cost of lighting, sweeping, cleaning and patrolling of motorways is attributed to pedestrians and cyclists in his Department's calculations for the allocation of road track costs for 1979–80; and if this practice will cease in 1980–81.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

None. The relevant costs for the whole road network are attributed 50 per cent. to pedestrians and 50 per cent. to vehicles but no specific allocation is made for motorways. If any specific allocation were ever to be made for motorways, obviously no part of any costs would be attributed to pedestrians and cyclists.

Mr. Penhaligon

asked the Minister of Transport what percentages of maintenance costs for (i) motorways and trunk roads and (ii) local authority roads are now attributable to (a) reconstruction, haunching and resurfacing, (b) surface dressing and skid treatment and (c) patching and minor repairs; and if the calculation of road track cost attributions for 1979–80 will be adjusted to take account of these figures.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The road track cost attributions for 1979–80 take account of the following latest available breakdown of road maintenance costs:

Motorways and trunk roads Local authority roads
Percentage of maintenance costs
(a) Reconstruction, haunching and resurfacing 42 23
(b) Surface dressing and skid treatments 2 6
(c) Patching and minor repairs 6 10
Other maintenance items 50 61
100 100