HC Deb 14 July 1998 vol 316 cc123-4W
Mr. Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on the implications of the recent proposal for widening the M25 for growth in(a) traffic and (b) carbon dioxide emissions; [47988]

(2) if he will make a statement on the environmental impact of the recent proposal for widening the M25; [47987]

(3) if he will make a statement on the cost of the recent proposal for widening the M25. [47986]

Dr. Strang

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Tom Brake, dated 14 July 1998: The Transport Minister, Glenda Jackson, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the M25. There are three sets of proposals to widen the M25 between Junctions 12–15, Junctions 15–16 and Junctions 16–19. All three are being considered in the Government's review of the role that trunk roads should play in an integrated transport system. The schemes are described broadly in Vol 2 of the roads review consultation document—a copy of the relevant page is attached—but until we know the outcome of the review, we cannot say what form the proposals will take if indeed Ministers decide to take the schemes forward. I am afraid I cannot therefore provide the information you seek. The Government hopes to announce the results of the roads review this summer. We are also considering proposals to improve safety on the eastbound approach to M25 J6, but these proposals are at too early a stage for us to be able to provide the information you ask for. M25 J12–15 widening

  • Standard D5/D6
  • Scheme cost £93.8 million
  • Length 10.9km
  • Next Stage OM
Widening of the M25 in Surrey between Junction 12 (the junction with the M3) and Junction 15 (the junction with the M4). The scheme is to widen within the highway boundary from dual 4 lane to dual 5 lane between Junctions 12 and 14 and from dual 4 lane to dual 6 lane between Junction 14 and 15. This section of the M25 connects with the M3, M4, A30 and provides access via A3113 to Heathrow Airport. The M25 is part of the Trans European Road Network. M25 J15–16 widening
  • Standard D5
  • Scheme cost £43.1 million
  • Length 7.5km
  • Next Stage OP
Widening of the M25 between Junction 15 (M4) and Junction 16 (M40) from dual 4 lane to dual 5 lane standard largely within the existing highway boundary. The M25 is part of the Trans European Road Network. The scheme's objective is to provide additional capacity. M25 J16–19 widening
  • Standard D4
  • Scheme cost £94.4 million
  • Length 16.0km
  • Next Stage OM
Widening of the M25 between Junction 16 (M40) and Junction 19 (the Watford Spur) from D3 to D4 standard within the existing highway boundary. The scheme's objective is to provide additional traffic capacity. The scheme has been identified for review to establish whether a smaller scale solution could be adopted.