HC Deb 18 July 1979 vol 970 cc745-6W
30. Mr. Sainsbury

asked the Minister of Transport what estimates have been made of the fuel savings to be derived from the construction of bypasses of congested urban areas.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Estimates are made of the effect on vehicle operating costs, including fuel costs, of all major road schemes. The effect varies depending on the comparative length of the existing and new route and the degree of congestion. Taking all such schemes together, there is probably little net change in fuel use. Substantial savings are usually made in traffic time and road accidents.