§ Mr. Wallerasked the Minister of Transport what impact the proposed developments at (a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick and (c) Stansted will have on existing surface transport links to Central London and elsewhere; and whether any of the proposed developments will require a reassessment of future road proposals.
§ Mr. FowlerThe Piccadilly line has recently been extended to Heathrow to which it forms a good link from central London; the possibility of extending it to the fourth terminal is under consideration. Existing plans for the M25 include provision both for a spur sited to serve the fourth terminal and for the expected level of traffic needing to connect with the M4 and other main routes into and out of London.
Gatwick is already served by rail and the provision of facilities for a more intensive service from Victoria is under consideration. Again, account has been taken of the needs of road travellers between Gatwick and Heathrow and the rest of the country in the planning of the M25, from which the M23 provides good access to the airport.
Stansted is served by the M11 which, together with the M25 and other roads already in existence or planned, will serve the needs of traffic to much of London and to the rest of the country for many years. The needs of traffic to central London are being taken into account in 493W planning the extension of the M11 to Hackney Wick and other trunk roads in the area and the future requirements for rail access are being examined.
In each case local roads are the responsibility of the local highway authorities.