§ Mr. Manuelasked the Minister of Transport whether, following her review of the highways system, she will announce what mileage of roads she intends to classify as principal roads under the Local Government Act, 1966; and what changes she proposes to introduce in the trunk road system.
§ Mrs. CastleUnder Part III of the Local Government Act, 1966, which comes into force on 1st April, 1967, I intend to classify some 14,250 miles as principal roads. This compares with 13,650 miles which are classified as Class I under the present system. The 333W review has been carried out in full consultation with local highway authorities, and I am grateful for their co-operation. They will be notified individually as soon as possible of the mileages affecting their respective areas. Before deciding what changes in the trunk road system to propose under the relevant statutory procedures, I intend to give further consideration to the views expressed by the highway authorities concerned.