§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now make a statement about his policy regarding the provision of motorway service areas on the M25.
§ Mrs. ChalkerYes. I have today sent to the local planning and highway authorities a consultative paper setting out our policy and proposals. A copy has been placed in the Library. The main conclusion, on which comments are invited, is that four service areas are needed on the M25, at approximately 30-mile intervals.
Two sites have already been identified where a motorway service area would be acceptable on traffic engineering grounds and would not seem to be environmentally intrusive. One is close to the southern entrance to the Dartford Tunnel and the other at the junction with A1(M) at South Mimms. We will press ahead as quickly as possible with the steps necessary for the development of service areas at these two locations, which will serve those stretches of M25 between the A1, M11 and M20 on which the need for services is most urgent.
There is also a strong case for the development of two further MSAs on the western side south of the M4 and in east Surrey. But we recognise that all potential sites in these areas will raise environmental and possibly other 482W problems. I am therefore appointing consultants to advise on the best locations in these areas and to help my Department to draw up detailed proposals for planning clearance. Subject to confirmation for the policy in the consultative paper, they will be asked to report by the end of February 1984 so that the two service areas can open as soon as possible after the completion of the M25.