HC Deb 01 November 1988 vol 139 c556W
Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will reconsider the policy stated in the answer of 12 November 1987,Official Report, column 252, and authorise the use as an additional lane of the stretch of disused offside lane hard shoulder on the north-bound carriageway of the MI from the junction with the M25 to its most northerly point.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

No. This extra lane is not long enough to be useful and safe.

Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, in the light of the answer of 12 November 1987 to the hon. Member for Derby, North,Official Report, column 252, concerning the non-construction of a stretch of additional vehicle carriageway on the north-bound side of the M1, he will explain the criteria used for deciding to construct a shorter length of carriageway on the south-bound side of the same motorway between junctions 4 and 5.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The new southbound crawler lane between junctions 4 and 5 was constructed because slow-moving heavy goods vehicles on this incline were causing delays to traffic, particularly during the morning peak period.

Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the length of fourth lane carriageway on the south-bound side of the M1 motorway between junctions 4 and 5.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The crawler lane is 1.4 km long.

Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the length of disused offside lane hard shoulder on the north-bound carriageway of the M1 north of the junction with the M25.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Approximately 2½ miles. It has less than two miles as a continuous length.

Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many motor vehicle accidents have been reported on the stretch of fourth lane carriageway on the south-bound side of the M1 between junctions 4 and 5 since this south lane was constructed.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

There have been no personal injury accidents recorded since the crawler lane was opened to traffic on 14 August 1988.