HC Deb 04 March 1985 vol 74 cc367-8W
Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the largest section of motorway currently in use without a service area; and when he expects a service area to be provided to serve this section.

Mrs. Chalker

There is at present no service area on the 90 miles of motorway between the northern end of M11 and the M20 at Maidstone, via M25. We intend to have one service area at Birchanger on M11, to be operational by about early 1987, and another at Thurrock on M25, to be open a little later. Proposals are also being developed for service areas on the M20.

Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects motorway service areas to be in operation on the M11, M18, M20, M23, M25, M40, M50. M54 and M180 motorways, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

My present programme is for the development of up to 14 new motorway service areas in England. A new service area at Ferrybridge at the junction of M62 and A1 will open in early April. Four service areas are planned for M25. I hope to see the one at South Mimms opened by the time the motorway is completed, with the other three following as quickly as possible. I intend also to complete the provision of services on the major feeder motorways to M25. I hope to see Birchanger on M11 opened by about early 1987. Proposals are also being developed for a site on the M4 near Reading; for up to three sites on M20; and for three sites on M40. It is not yet possible to predict when these sites will open.

In addition, I intend to up-grade the Brent Knoll rest area on M5 to a full motorway service area by about late 1986.

Apart from Ferrybridge, the development and opening of all these service areas depends on the completion of all necessary planning and compulsory acquisition procedures, as well as engineering and construction works. I have no proposals at present for motorway service areas on M18, M23, M50, M54 and M180.