§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he is taking to relieve traffic congestion and nuisance in the Earls Court area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyConsultants have been examining the possibility of sharing the west London railway corridor to provide relief for the Earls Court area. Work has progressed far enough to show that a relief road could be provided running mainly in cutting from Shepherds Bush to the River Thames.
The report on the first stage of the west London assessment study has highlighted the severe environmental and safety problems in the Earls Court area. It seems clear 567W that whatever other action may be taken a new route is likely to be the only way of achieving substantial improvement of the environment in the area. I have therefore decided that we should now consult the local planning authorities on a proposal to safeguard the line of a western environmental improvement route. I have today written to ask for their comments on this proposal.