§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last assessed the level of disruption caused by unmanned roadworks on the main motorway routes between London and Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 1 December 1993]: My right hon. Friend is responsible for the trunk road network in Scotland, where roadworks are subject to the code of practice set out in "The Reduction of Delays of Roadworks" issued by the Scottish Office in 1992. The operational effect of all roadworks on the trunk road network, including motorways, in Scotland is monitored on the basis of fortnightly reports provided by the regional councils, as agent authorities, for the roads directorate of the Scottish Office Industry Department.
A key element in the efforts to reduce delays has been the introduction of lane rental on major maintenance contracts on the strategic core network. Under lane rental the contractor pays for the length of time traffic lanes or carriageways are closed and effectively receives a bonus for early completion or conversely incurs a penalty if the contract overruns. This has led to significant reductions in the time taken to complete roadworks and has minimised delays and inconvenience to road users.