HC Deb 27 January 1982 vol 16 c376W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Transport why it is considered necessary to light the M1 from London to Newport Pagnell; and what is the annual cost.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

This is a heavily trafficked section of motorway and is prone to fog. The cost in 1980–81 for lighting and associated maintenance was £386, 566.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in the Official Report the number of accidents that occurred in the last full year on the M1 between London and Newport Pagnell prior to lighting being installed, and the number that occurred in the last comparable period since the installation of lighting.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

In 1971, the last full year before lighting installation started, there were 224 personal injury accidents between junction 2 and Newport Pagnell. In 1980 there were 253 such accidents over the same length. Traffic on this length increased by about 27 per cent. over the period, and heavy goods vehicle traffic by about 65 per cent. There has also been major carriageway maintenance work involving much contra-flow working. On the other hand, there were other safety factors at work besides lighting, including the erection of safety barriers.