§ Lord BESWICKasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied that all possible research and planning methods have been employed to ensure that maintenance of motorways involves the minimum of lane closures; and, in view of the fact that one check on Monday 12th May 1980 revealed that six separate and significant stretches of northbound M1 carriageways between London terminal and Junction 27 were closed although no work was actually in progress and not one workman was to be seen, whether they would agree that further studies are necessary.
§ Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTONMy right honourable friend the Minister of Transport is continuing to search for methods that secure rapid and economical repairs to motorways while minimising traffic disruption. He has instructed local highway authorities who supervise these 1281WA works on his behalf to secure that as much carriagway space as safety permits is kept open to traffic during these operations. Nevertheless, lanes with no immediately visible obstructions must sometimes remain closed to protect traffic from uncompleted repairs, damaged safety barriers or contractor's plant and equipment.