HC Deb 12 November 1979 vol 973 c456W
Mr. Alton

asked the Minister for Transport what traffic flows were predicted for the M23 motorway to justify its construction; and what traffic flows are currently to be found on it.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Following are the predictions made in 1971 and the actual traffic flows in 1978 in terms of vehicles per 16-hour average August day.

cent. appear to be achieveable by vehicle modifications and improvements in operating techniques.

In the case of diesel locomotives, use of the most efficient modern designs appears to entail a fuel saving of the order of 2 per cent. as compared with older locomotives; British Railways are looking into ways of saving fuel by improving operating procedures.