§ Miss HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the likely increase of road users and the effect on traffic congestion as a result of the construction of the Channel tunnel terminal at Waterloo.
§ Mr. PortilloThe effect of the additional traffic flow generated by the Channel tunnel terminal on the surrounding road network is not expected to be significant, provided that British Rail proceeds with its proposals to improve the internal road layout within the station. This issue was discussed at some length during parliamentary proceedings on the Channel Tunnel Bill.
§ Miss HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the effect on local residents, traffic circulation and local businesses as a result of development proposals for the Waterloo area; and whether, in view of these developments, he will agree to a public inquiry into the strategy and co-ordination of developments in the Waterloo area.
§ Mr. MoynihanI have been asked to reply.
The effects of development proposals are for the local authority to assess. I recognise that there are a number of proposals for development in the Waterloo area, one of which has recently been the subject of a public inquiry. There are others which may be the subject of future inquiries as part of the planning process. In view of this, and the recent adoption of alterations of the Waterloo district plan which would be a material consideration at public inquiries, I see no need for holding a public inquiry to co-ordinate several unrelated developments for the area.