§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what environmental assessment has been undertaken for current motorway widening schemes and the use of long span overbridges included within these schemes;
(2) what steps are being taken by his Department to protect the environmental advantages of motorway verges; and how are such verges and trees to be protected under stage one and stage two motorway widening schemes;
(3) what steps have been taken to consult the public and environmental organisations over motorway widening schemes which will enable stage two widening to achieve (a) 12-lane motorways and (b) 10-lane motorways;
(4) what proposals he has to make (a) 10 and (b) 12-lane motorways the standard motorway gauge;
(5) what consultation has been undertaken with local communities and environmental bodies in relation to current and proposed motorway widening schemes; and if he will list those bodies consulted.
§ Mr. KeyThere is no programme of second stage widening to provide 10 and 12-lane motorways. Consultations and environmental assessments are carried out on all motorway widening schemes. Environmental statements include a description of the design of a project and the measures needed to mitigate significant adverse environmental effects. Existing vegetation will be kept wherever practicable. I am sending the honourable Lady a copy of the standard consultation list.