§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that major road improvements on the M20, junctions 3 to 5 and 5 to 8, and the M2, junctions 1 to 3, will be completed before the channel tunnel is due to open.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 16 July 1990]: The proposed widening of the M20 between junctions 3 and 5 was added to the roads programme in the May 1989 review. My Department's consultants are investigating possible options with a view to the announcement of a preferred scheme in autumn 1991.
Proposals to improve the M20 between junctions 5 and 8 were considered at a public inquiry earlier this year. Subject to the completion of the statutory procedures it is hoped to start work next summer for completion by the time the channel tunnel is planned to open in 1993.
The timing for the proposed widening of the M2 between junctions 1 and 3 is being reviewed following the addition to the roads programme earlier this year of a scheme to improve the motorway between junctions 3 and 4.