§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that on 29th October just north of Newport Pagnell the southbound carriageway of the M1 was reduced to 273W single-lane working by roadworks, as a result of which vehicles took an hour to pass; why a lane of unobstructed northbound carriageway was not made available as an additional lane for southbound traffic; what was the total estimated delay in vehicle hours; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that unnecessary delays of this kind on important motorways are avoided.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineI am sorry about the inconvenience which may have been caused. Resurfacing to improve the safety of the road was carried out during two weeks from 21st October. Every effort, consistent with the safety of drivers and men on the site, is made to keep traffic moving. To direct traffic to either
Date Location Duration of count Number of vehicles August, 1961 … Between Southwood Lane and Jackson's Lane … 24 hours 21,959* August, 1965 … Between Southwood Lane and Jackson's Lane … 24 hours 24,691* May, 1969 … … Between Southwood Lane and Jackson's Lane … 24 hours 29,000† * Ministry of Transport census. † Consultants' Origin and Destination Survey.