§ Mr. Fryasked the Secretary of State for Transport why that part of the M25 between the M1 and the M4 was not given capacity for expansion to dual four lanes to cope with any increase in traffic flows beyond his Department's current forecasts.
§ Mrs. Chalker[pursuant to her reply, 25 July 1983, c. 294]: Between the M1 and the M40 the predicted volume of traffic on the M25, even at high growth levels, could be accommodated by dual three lanes, and the economic and environmental consequences of providing for a higher standard are not justified. From the M40 to M4 the traffic volume on high growth slightly exceed the figures at which, according to the Department's criteria, dual three lanes would be appropriate, and the bridges over the motorway in this section are being built to allow for widening if this proves necessary.