§ Mr. Geoffrey RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he collates on mean average road widths in cities in England; and what guidance he gives to the relevant authorities on minimum road widths. [134833]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe available information relates to urban major roads, i.e. those that are within urban areas with a population of 10 thousand or more. The latest estimate of mean road width for A roads in urban areas is 11.2 metres.
Information on minor roads is less comprehensive. In 2001, estimates were made for minor roads with speed limits of 40mph or below. The mean road widths for such B, C and unclassified roads were 7.5 metres, 6.9 metres and 6.2 metres respectively.
Government guidance on road widths for residential roads is provided in Design Bulletin 32 Residential Roads and Footpaths Layout considerations and its companion guide Places, Streets & Movement.
Definitive guidance and standards for motorways and other trunk roads is contained within the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. Whilst this manual sets a standard of good practice principally for trunk roads, it may also be applicable in part to other roads with similar characteristics. Where it is used for local roads, it is for the highway authority to decide on the extent to which the documents in the manual are appropriate in any particular situation.