HC Deb 18 November 1982 vol 32 cc272-3W
Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what were the traffic forecast figures used in the design of the M4 (Severn Bridge), the M53 (Liverpool), the A470 (Cardiff), the M3 (Frimley-Lightwater), the M4 (Reading), the M6 (Gravelly Hill), the A3 (Hog's Back Flyover), the M5 (Taunton), the Al9 (Cleveland) and the A2 (Dover Harbour); and what are their present measured traffic volumes.

Mrs. Chalker

The available information for roads in England is as follows. The A470 (Cardiff) is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Road Design Forecast Latest available traffic count
Year of forecast Definition Year to which forecast relates Forecast* (vehicles) Year 24-hour AADF(vehicles)
M4 (Severn Bridge)‡ Junctions 21–22 [1966] Average 24-hour day [1980] [33,000] 1981 33,000
M53 (Wirral) Junctions 2–3 1966 Evening Peak (1 hour) 1990 5,000 1979 25,000
Junctions 4–5 1966 Evening Peak (1 hour) 1990 5,500 1980 26,000
M3 (Frimley-Lightwater) Junctions 3–4 1967 Average 24-hour day 1982 48,000 1981 42,000
M4 (Reading) Junctions 9–10 1964 Average 16-hour day 1982 74,000 1980 56,000
Junctions 11–12 1964 Average 16-hour day 1982 44,000 1981 42,000
M6 (Gravelly Hill) Junctions 6–7 Data not readily available 1980 78,000
A3 (Hog's Back Flyover) Data not readily available 1980 27,000
M5 (Taunton) Junctions 24–25 1970 Average 16-hour day 1984 41,000 1980 19,000
Al9 (Cleveland) 1968 Average 16-hour day 1983 31,000 1979 32,000
A2 (Dover Eastern Harbour) 1974 Average 16-hour August day 1990 5,500[...] 1979 16,000

Notes:

* 2-way flows.

† Annual Average Daily Flow—2-way.

‡ Design year forecast not readily available. The forecast shown was made in 1966 for the purpose of fixing tolls.

║Assuming the completion of the M20 to Folkestone and its extension to Dover (West).