HC Deb 07 February 1978 vol 943 cc511-2W
Mr. John Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take immediate steps to ensure that serviceable appliances such as tyre pressure indicators and compressed air suppliers are available and in working order at motorway service areas.

Mr. Horam

Service area operators are expected to have appliances such as tyre pressure indicators and compressed air suppliers always available and in working order. This equipment is, however, unfortunately subject to frequent vandalism or theft, and operators cannot always repair or replace it immediately.

Mr. John Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to institute a system of spot checks on all motorway service areas at random intervals, concerning such matters as which facilities are working and available to motorists and which services are not available; and if he will publish the results.

Mr. Horam

Spot checks on the availability of facilities have always been included in the inspections carried out at random intervals by officers of the Department. Service area operators normally effect any necessary repairs or replacements expeditiously.