§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department currently intends to spend in this financial year on relieving the burden on(a) the M1, (b) the M20, (c) the M6 and (d) the M25.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe expect to spend the following amounts this financial year:
Scheme construction and preparation costs £ million Maintenance (capital and current) £ million Total £ million M1 4.3 16.1 20.4 M20 3.2 0.7 3,9 M6 15.2 13.5 18.7 M25 35.7 15.3 51.0 Total 48.4 45.6 94.0 1 Includes £3.2 million preparation costs for the A446(M) Birmingham Northern relief road (M6 relief road). Spending on the privately financed Dartford-Thurrock crossing will relieve pressure on the M25. Spending by the Department on the M40 Oxford to Birmingham extension will relieve pressure on the M1.
§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on which sections of the M25 traffic flows are(a) below design capacity, (b) between 100 and 125 per cent. of design capacity, (c) between 125 and 150 per cent. of design capacity and (d) over 150 per cent. of design capacity; and what proposals exist for easing congestion.
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§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe capacity of the M25 varies with the vehicle mix, road layout, time of day, time of year and driving conditions. Measures are in hand to improve conditions in the parts of the M25 most affected by congestion. Consultants are also currently undertaking a review of the whole motorway. This will identify existing and potential problem areas on the M25 and adjacent sections of radial raods and will suggest solutions. The results of the review are expected in the new year.