§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out his proposals for minimising delays caused by road repairs to main trunk roads and motorways.
§ Mr. ChopeSince we introduced in 1984 the "lane rental" arrangement for major maintenance contracts whereby the contractor gains a bonus for early completion and is charged for lateness, we have saved traffic delay costs estimated at about £50 million. We will continue to make the maximum use of this type of contract.
In addition, we intend to make greater use of night working, when traffic flows are lower, wherever safety and environmental conditions permit. We are also seeking to improve the management of traffic at roadworks sites by investigating the use of additional narrower lanes, tidal flow systems, and better recovery techniques for broken-down vehicles. In this way we hope further to reduce delays to road users.
§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport by what date he proposes to introduce information boards explaining works to major roads which are causing traffic delays and indicating why on occasions no activities appear to be being carried out.
§ Mr. ChopeSince April this year we have increased the amount of information available to drivers at all major maintenance contracts on motorways and trunk roads. Signs explaining the purpose of the works—for example, "Roads repairs reconstructing worn out roads"—have to be erected. Temporary signs are used to explain why from time to time no work appears to be going on—for example, when road materials are hardening or work has to be suspended because of adverse weather.
We are keeping a close eye on this new initiative to make sure that drivers continue to be kept fully aware of the reasons why road works are taking place and hope that it will help to reduce their understandable frustration at unavoidable delays.