§ Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the status of the 100 new bypasses outlined in the 10-year Transport Plan; and if he will list the(a) start and (b) completion date for each. [50042]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe 10-year plan provided funds for up to 30 trunk road bypasses and up to 70 bypasses on local roads over the 10-year plan period. 24 schemes which bypass settlements were in the Targeted Programme of Improvements (TPI) when the plan was published. Nine further such schemes have been added to the TPI since then and 17 more trunk road bypasses are subject to on-going multi-modal and other studies. Of these schemes 16 have started.
To avoid unnecessary blight, these powers are exercised on behalf of the Secretary of State by the Highways Agency usually when the preferred route is announced. He then has a further power to direct that planning permission shall not be granted if the proposed development would prejudice the road proposal.
§ Mr. Greg KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proposals he has to reduce congestion on the northbound carriageway of the M1 Motorway at its junction with the M25. [49940]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe London to South Midlands Multi Modal Study is examining current and future travel problems between London and the South Midlands, including congestion on the southern section of the M1 Motorway.