§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements he has made to inform the public about road repairs and improvements on trunk roads where restrictions are in force with consequent delays for traffic movement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Department issues fortnightly bulletins summarising planned major motorway lane closures likely to involve delays, and its regional offices issue more detailed information on individual schemes. This information is publicised by the media. For certain roadworks the Department provides telephone hot-lines from which information on likely delays is available directly to the public. The Department also publishes leaflets that give details of telephone numbers and other sources of information.
Signs are being introduced at major roadworks to explain what the works are for and what is happening when work is suspended while cones are still in place.
The broadcast media and motoring organisations play a major part in providing the public with reports on road conditions. The Department is having discussions with those involved in the provision of travel information about ways of improving its availability and reliability.
§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects plans to be completed for the improvements to the Al between Wetherby and Dishforth in North Yorkshire; and what is his estimate of the costs involved.
§ Mr. AtkinsFollowing a public inquiry in 1987, plans for this scheme are being revised to provide a higher standard of road. The fresh proposals will take into account the findings of the current review of the longer-term needs of the A1 between Hook Moor and Scotch Corner, which includes consideration of motorway status. I expect to make an announcement this summer.
The scheme should be completed in the mid to late 1990s at an estimated cost of £100 million to £110 million depending on the final standard adopted.