§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Highways Agency used the same lane capacity calculation for the M25 in respect of the T5 spur road as it used in the proposals for widening the motorway between junctions 12 and 15; and if he will make a statement. [38750]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 20 April 1998]: When assessing options for trunk road improvements, the Highways Agency takes into account operational requirements, economic costs and benefits and environmental effects.
In the case of the M25 between J12 and J15, the widening proposals were restricted to dual 5 lanes and dual 6 lanes in order to limit the environmental impact.
These road widths were then used in the computer models for assessing both the M25 widening scheme and the T5 Spur Road.
Evidence on these matters has been given to the Inspector at the Terminal 5 Public Inquiry and he will be making his report to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in due course.