§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated cost of delays on motorways; and if he will estimate the amount of fuel wasted by traffic delays.
§ Mrs. ChalkerBroad estimates, based on a very limited sample of motorway maintenance sites, suggest that the total cost of delays caused by road repairs could be of the order of £50 million a year. These costs arise mainly from extended journey times but also include vehicle operating costs and accident costs. The costs which would arise, however, if vital and timely repairs were not carried out would certainly exceed those arising from the present programme.
We have no estimate of delays due to other causes such as traffic incidents or congestion. Nor do we have separate estimates for fuel consumption costs. Slower traffic speeds can in some circumstances result in reduced fuel consumption.