HC Deb 25 June 1985 vol 81 cc359-60W
Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a further statement on measures to reduce motorway noise.

Mrs. Chalker

I am very much aware of the concern of my hon. Friend and others about the impact of new motorways on surrounding areas.

My Department's aim is, by careful selection of route and design, to minimise damage to the environment and especially the harmful effects of noise for people living nearby. Special landscaping and other measures are provided to give protection where noise would exceed specified levels. This may take the form of noise insulation of individual dwellings as provided by the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975, or noise barriers where they would be more economic and effective, or by a combination of methods, according to circumstances.

My hon. Friend will be aware of the extensive works undertaken on the M25 in his constituency and also that I have agreed to consider, without commitment, the possibility of further remedial works. This will be done as quickly as possible.