§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what considerations underlie the absence of provision of service stations or rest areas along the M40 motorway; what proposals he has for providing such facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyMy Department proposed three motorway service areas (MSAs) for the M40, intending to open them at about the same time as the road. All three schemes, however, provoked objections which led to lengthy public inquiries and substantial delays in provision. Planning clearance was eventually refused for one of the sites, but it was granted for the other two and construction is now under way both are due to open next year. In the meantime temporary facilities, open 24 hours a day, are signposted from the motorway at junction 10 and between junctions 13 and 15.
Following a commitment in the citizens charter, future MSAs will be promoted by the private sector rather than 220W the Department. I understand that at least three planning applications for further MSAs on the M40 are currently under consideration.