§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the emergency services and his Department took to forewarn drivers using the M5 in Somerset of roadworks on 25 October; and if he will list the radio stations that were notified.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyA press notice was issued on 20 October 1986 to local radio and television stations, motoring organisations, the BBC motoring unit and newspapers circulating between Bristol and Exeter, warning of the contraflow starting in late October on the M5 in Somerset between junctions 24 and 25.
Press notices are not normally issued for smaller works of shorter duration such as those scheduled to take place between junctions 21 and 23.
The police sent out a telex at 11.45 am on 25 October warning of a three-mile tailback due to roadworks between junctions 21 and 22, advising drivers to take alternative routes to avoid the delays. This was sent to the following radio stations:
- BBC motoring unit
- Radio Bristol
- GWR (independent radio)