HC Deb 28 November 1985 vol 87 cc666-7W
1984. Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, further to the answer to the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth on 14 November, Official Report, column 262, if he will give the numbers and types of vehicles involved in accidents on the M1 in (a) 1979 and (b)

Mr. Ridley

Numbers and types of vehicles involved in personal injury accidents on the M1—1979 and 1984:

1979 1984
Pedal cycles 0 3
Two wheeled motor vehicles 48 59
Cars 1,201 1,389
Buses and coaches 27 26

1979 1984
Light goods vehicles 105 112
Heavy goods vehicles 413 251
Other motor vehicles 13 11
Other vehicles 4 0
All vehicles 1,811 1,851

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Transport on the basis of the approximate figures given in the answer to the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth on 14 November, Official Report, column 262, if he will give the approximate total cost of adding one lane in each direction south bound of the M1 from its junction with the M6.

Mr. Ridley

On the basis of the approximate figures given to my hon. Friend on 14 November, the basic cost of adding one lane in each direction is likely to be between £200 million and £260 million.

The total cost would be increased by factors such as the need for retaining walls and railways diversions along certain stretches and the provision of structures, but it is not possible to estimate the effect of these without detailed investigation.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Transport further to his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth dated 14 November, Official Report, column 262, when his review of the carrying capacity of the M1 is likely to be completed.

Mr. Ridley

The carrying capacity of the M1 is under review, not in isolation, but as part of the wider examination of motorway capacity announced in "National Roads England 1985" which is aimed at identifying stretches that may need relief or widening by the end of the century. At this stage, it is not possible to predict how long the work will take to complete.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth dated 14 November, Official Report, column 262. what plans exist for improving road safety on that section of the M1 motorway between junction 4 and junction 13.

Mr. Ridley

A number of measures are planned which should contribute to greater safety. They include renewal and enhancement of signs, improvements to the traffic capacity of slip roads and extra safety fencing.

Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many closed-circuit television cameras are installed on the M1 motorway between Wakefield and London; and what are their specific purposes.

Mr. Ridley

No closed circuit television cameras are installed on the M1 motorway.