§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if ducting will be laid alongside the M40 extension through Oxfordshire to allow the installation of comprehensive lighting at a later date.
§ Mr. AtkinsNo. When the design of the motorway was underway the Department did not consider the expenditure ncessary to make provision for lighting at a future date was justified.
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice he has received from the Thames Valley police authority on the lighting proposed for the M40 extension through Oxfordshire.
§ Mr. AtkinsWe have no record of this issue being raised by the Thames Valley police.
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of Slate for Transport what evaluation has been made of the need for(a) lighting and (b) fog hazard warning lights on the M40 through Oxfordshire.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe need for lighting was assessed in accordance with my Department's policy and was not justified except at the more major grade separated interchanges. As with all unlit motorways, my Department will review regularly the need for lighting. Matrix warning signs are being installed and should be operational to coincide with the motorway opening. No specific fog warning system is proposed at present. We will review the situation following detailed evaluation of the fog warning system currently being installed on the M25.
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give details of the arrangements for lighting the M40 extension through Oxfordshire.
§ Mr. AtkinsLighting will be confined to the major interchanges at the A418 (Waterstock) (J8), Windlebury (J9), Ardley (J10) and Banbury (J11).