HC Deb 28 April 1970 vol 800 cc273-4W
Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Transport what controls will be necessitated upon traffic passing to and from Liverpool via the M.53 pending the completion of the second two-lane tube under the Mersey.

Mr. Bob Brown

If there are no unforeseen difficulties, we expect the M.53 to be completed in July 1971. Similarly we expect the tunnel and approach roads to be completed in April-June, 1971. No special control of traffic should therefore be necessary.

Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Transport what proportion of the traffic, at peak and off-peak periods, respectively, which uses the Queensway Tunnel beneath the Mersey, is local; and what is his estimate of the comparable figures for the new tunnel to be built linking Seacombe and Liverpool.

Mr. Bob Brown

We do not have information in the form requested but available figures suggest that over 90 per cent. of traffic through the Queensway Tunnel is local; that is, has its origin or destination or both within the Merseyside land/use transportation study area. The proportion is not likely to be significantly different for the new tunnel.