Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the projected traffic flow figures for vehicles by category travelling north on the Al from Newcastle following its upgrading to motorway status south of Newcastle.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 9 July 1990]: A precise assessment has not been carried out for projected traffic flow figures for vehicles by category travelling north from Newcastle upon Tyne following the upgrading of the Al. However, a study for routes south of Edinburgh commissioned by the Scottish Office indicated that completion of a motorway link to Newcastle would not lead to any substantial transfer of traffic with the majority of long-distance travelling from England to Scotland continuing to use the west coast motorway system.
Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the projected traffic flow figures for vehicles by category travelling north on the Al from Newcastle for each of the next 10 years.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 9 July 1990]: Traffic predictions allow for both low and high growth. Based upon 1989 values the annual average daily traffic prediction on the Al north of Newcastle are as follows:
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Location Year Low High Between Newcastle and Morpeth 1991 21,350 21,970 1992 21,780 22,700 1993 22,210 23,430 1994 22,630 24,170 1995 23,060 24,900 1996 23,490 25,630 1997 23,910 26,370 1998 24,340 27,100 1999 24,770 27,830 2000 25,190 28,570 The proportions of heavy goods vehicles are expected to range from 8 to 12 per cent.
Location Year Low High Between Alnwick and Berwick 1991 6,770 6,970 1992 6,900 7,200 1993 7,040 7,430 1994 7,180 7,670 1995 7,310 7,900 1996 7,450 8,130 1997 7,580 8,370 1998 7,720 8,600 1999 7,850 8,830 2000 7,990 9,070 The proportions of heavy goods vehicles are expected to range from 25 to 39 per cent.