§ Mr. Bidwellasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy not to use the term "fast lane" to describe the overtaking lane on motorways in all publications issued or sponsored by his Department.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIt is already our firm policy to refer to the right hand lane as the overtaking lane rather than the fast lane. This is made clear in departmental publications, including a leaflet currently being mailed to all vehicle owners with their vehicle licence renewal reminders. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of motorway were opened in the United Kingdom in 1982 and 1983; how many more miles are expected to be opened before the end of 1984 and 1985; and if he will give the figures broken down by motorway.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe information requested is as follows:
Miles of new motorway opened 1982 1983 M2* 0.1 M2* 0.3 M20 7.8 M25 19.7 M25 5.4 M27 4.3 M63 2.5 M54 17.4 M531 2.8 M65 5.5 Total 20.8 Total 47.2 In addition M1 widened for 6.4 miles * M2 Northern Ireland. 559W
Miles of new motorway expected to open 1984 1985 M25 10.2 M3 11.1 M27 2.4 M25 22.7 M65 2.2 M42 8.7 Total 14.8 Total 42.5
1984 1985 In addition M5 to be widened for 0.8 miles In addition M4 to be widened for 0.9 miles