§ Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many sections of the M1 motorway lighting systems are not working properly between London and Wakefield; who are the responsible authorities for maintenance; and what method of inspection is carried out by those responsible.
§ Mr. John MooreAll sections of the M1 motorway lighting generally give satisfactory performance notwithstanding minor defects which arise from time to time. There are several outstanding faults currently requiring urgent attention between Watford Gap service area and junction 16 in Northamptonshire. These cannot be repaired at present because of adjacent major road reconstruction works. They should be repaired during November 1986.
Between junctions 8 and 14 in Hertfordshire major maintenance of the central reservation is in progress. This work interferes with the lighting apparatus and opportunity is therefore being taken to renovate the lighting at the same time. As a result only every other lantern is lit, while the works are in progress. This may create the impression that the lighting is faulty in the sections affected.
As Secretary of State I am the highway authority for the M1 motorway and responsible for lighting maintenance on it. I appoint agents to act for me, who either undertake the work themselves, or employ contractors, as follows:
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M1 section Agent Road lighting maintenance contractor Greater London London Borough of Barnet T. Cartledge & Co. Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire Hertfordshire County Council Eastern Electricity Board Northamptonshire Northamptonshire County Council East Midlands Electricity Board Leicestershire, Junction 21 Leicester County Council Leicester County Council Remainder of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Derbyshire County Council East Midlands Electricity Board Night-time visual inspections are carried out at intervals not exceeding 28 days.