§ 65. Mr. KirkhopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures his Department is taking to make urban roads more environmentally acceptable.
§ Mr. AtkinsLocal authorities are responsible for the vast majority of urban roads. My Department publishes advice on a wide range of urban traffic issues, including a variety of traffic calming measures which can be introduced in suitable circumstances and make the environment safer and more pleasant.
On trunk roads, 37 bypasses completed in the last 3 years have removed through traffic from towns and villages. 150 bypasses and relief roads are in preparation. Already this year we have announced that we shall make more use of our discretionary powers to provide noise insulation, that we will appoint consultants to produce guidance on environmental treatment of urban roads, and that we will improve the environment of existing roads.