§ Lord Mulleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, having regard to the great costs of constructing motorways, they will give instructions to their agents to reduce to the minimum road or lane closures required for repairs, and to remove the cones etc., when repairs are not actually being undertaken, so as to reduce congestion, delay and potential accidents.
§ Lord Lucas of ChilworthMaintenance work on motorways is already carefully planned and phased to minimise inconvenience and delays to drivers. Major work sites are usually at least six miles apart and lengths under repair at any one time are limited to two miles wherever possible. Contract periods are fixed to achieve completion in the shortest reasonable time. But my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport is planning to experiment later this year with financial incentives to encourage contractors to complete maintenance schemes more quickly.
136WAEvery effort is made to remove cones as soon as possible after works are completed. But there may be circumstances where cones have to be left in position although it appears that no work is in progress. For instance, concrete may be curing or a mobile operation, such as repairs to safety barrier or lighting repairs, may be taking place.