M3 (Traffic Density)

HC Deb 21 April 1986 vol 96 cc51-2W

Mr. John Browne

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish current traffic density forecasts for the Popham to Easton Lane, Winchester, section of the M3; and for how long he estimates that a dual two-lane motorway will cope with this traffic.

Table 1 Taxation revenue and public road costs, 1986–87—United Kingdom
Vehicle category	Vehicle numbers	Estimated taxation revenue	Costs attributed	VED + fuel tax minus costs: surplus (deficit)	Revenue to cost ratios
	Thousands	VED £ million	Fuel tax £ million	Total £ million	£ million	£ million
Cars, light vans, taxis*	19,144	1,960	5,320	7,280	2,260	5,015	3.2:1
Motorcycles	1,168	20	45	65	25	40	2.5:1
Buses and coaches	72	5	†170	175	205	(30)	0.9:1
Goods vehicles 1,525 kg unladen:
Not over 3.5 tonnes GVW and non-plateable vehicle	139	20	45	65	20	45	3.0:1
Over 3.5 tonnes GVW	444	430	890	1,320	1,060	260	1.2:1

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Traffic counts taken since the road was opened confirm the forecast which I gave in my answer of 25 February at column499 to my hon. Friend. A dual two-lane motorway should cater for this traffic flow for the foreseeable future.