§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available were the(a) A62, (b) M62, (c) A66 and (d) A69 closed due to inclement weather. [68168]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonFrom the records that are available, the numbers of closures are as follows:
A62
The A62 is a local road except for a short length linking with junction 27 of the M62. The highway authorities for the high level sections of the road are Kirklees Metropolitan District Council and Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council.The reports that we have obtained are from Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and cover the last three years only. During that time in the year April to April 1996–97, the road was closed for a total of four days and in 1997–98 for a total of half a day.M62
The motorway was closed overnight between junctions 21 and 22 on 25 January 1995. This was necessary when a lorry jack-knifed in heavy early evening snow, blocking the carriageway and preventing further gritting.The motorway was also closed between junctions 20 and 22 on 12 and 13 January 1993 when lighting columns become unstable in high winds.A66
Records are available for the last 6 years only:
Full closure Partial closure (HGVs and caravans) Year Number of times Reason Number of times Reason 1999 (to date) — — 3 High wind 1998 3 Snow/ice 19 High wind 1997 1 Snow/ice 16 High wind 1996 13 Snow/ice 26 High wind 1995 6 Snow/ice 18 High wind 1994 4 Snow/ice No records available 1993 4 Snow/ice No records available A69
Records are available for the last six years only:The road has not been closed due to inclement weather.