§ Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) on how many occasions closed circuit television cameras have been installed on the M1 between London and Wakefield; when they were installed; for what period of time they were used; for what specific purposes they were operated; when, in each case, they became inoperative; when they were removed; and what was the entire cost of the various operations in manpower and equipment;
(2) pursuant to the answer of 28 November, Official Report, column 670, on what date and for what reasons the closed circuit televison cameras were removed from the M1 motorway; why the supporting brackets were not removed with the cameras; when the brackets will be recovered; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyTemporary closed circuit television cameras have been used on several occasions for roadworks on the M1 motorway. They are operational during the critical period of the work for the purpose of aiding traffic management and deployment of emergency services. They are an integral part of the roadwork schemes and the costs and manpower involved are therefore not separately available.
They were in use on the M1 motorway for the roadworks at junction 14 during October 1985. They ceased operation on 4 November and were subsequently removed. Supporting brackets were removed from lamp columns at the same time but a small number mounted on special posts remain in position to await their redeployment to a future roadworks site.
§ Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of unlit motorway exist on the M1 between London and Wakefield; which sections are unlit; and if he will identify the various authorities responsible for those sections.
§ Mr. RidleyThere are 104 miles of unlit motorway on the M1 between London and junction 39.
The following sections are unlit:
Newport Pagnell service area to junction 16.Junction 17 to junction 24, except for a short section at junction 21.Junction 26 to junction 39.I am, as Secretary of State, the highway authority.
303W
§ Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what tests were carried out on the highway drainage system on the M1 motorway in July between Leeds and Wakefield;
(2) what tests were carried out on the highway drainage system on the M1 motorway in June 1983 and December 1983 between Leeds and Wakefield.
§ Mr. RidleyIn June 1983, following mining subsidence on the M1 motorway just south of junction 41, inspections of the drainage using closed circuit television were carried out. At the same time, the levels of the drains were surveyed. As a result of these inspections, the drainage was reconstructed, between December 1983 and March 1984. The reconstructed drains were air-tested on completion, and inspected visually in July 1985, when they were found to be satisfactory.
§ Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Transport what type of drainage was installed on the M1 motorway between Leeds and Wakefield when it was constructed; and what frequency of inspection is carried out to ensure safety on the MI carriageway and surrounding areas.
§ Mr. RidleyWhen the M1 motorway between Leeds and Wakefield was constructed, the drainage system installed consisted mainly of gullies and sealed pipes leading to drainage outfalls. The gullies are inspected visually once a week, and if any ponding is observed, or if a complaint has been received, more detailed investigations are put in hand.