HC Deb 22 July 1974 vol 877 c381W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what study he has made of the characteristics and relative advantages of the various types of road surfacing on motorways in respect of both noise and safety.

Mr. Carmichael

A first stage of a comprehensive study into these matters has just been completed, and the results are being assessed.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has of the relative merits of randomised grooving concrete road surfaces as compared with other surfaces in regard to noise and safety; and, in particular, what results have so far been obtained from his monitoring of the Bury St. Edmunds bypass.

Mr. Carmichael

First results from studies at various sites, including Bury St. Edmunds bypass show that grooved concrete produces higher skid resistance with less spray when wet but is noisier than other surfaces.