§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the economic and other factors considered when roadworks are being undertaken on part of one carriageway of a motorway as to whether or not to allow use to be made of a lane of the other carriageway; and whether the delay in vehicle hours estimated to result from the intended roadworks is one of these factors.
§ Mr. Graham PageThe overriding consideration is the safety both of the travelling public and those engaged on the roadworks. Because of the varying conditions, it is not possible to lay down a standard258W code of practice and the arrangements in each case are decided, in consultation with the police, having regard to such factors as safety, the weight and composition of the traffic, the nature and timing of the operations, the number of lanes available and the availability of alternative routes.