§ Mr. David Howellasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to introduce acoustic walls along (a) upgraded trunk routes in general or (b) the A3 where it passes by Guildford; if he will make it his policy to install such walls where the road in question passes within 100ft of a dwelling; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MooreIt will continue to be my Department's policy to take appropriate noise protection measures where traffic on newly constructed or improved roads will cause traffic noise to rise above specified levels.
In the case of the new section of the A3 at Guildford opened in 1981 substantial lengths of earth mounds were 486W constructed on both sides, and acoustic secondary glazing was provided for the dwellings which qualified. I have no plans for further barriers at Guildford.
It would be unrealistic to expect that financial resources will be available to meet all demands for ameliorative works on roads which have become more intensively used.