§ Mr. CartwrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence he has received from the London borough of Greenwich that the proposed widening of the east London river crossing to dual three lanes between the A 13 and the Thamesmead spine road will lead to the eventual widening of roads in Eltham, Sidcup, Plumstead and Bexleyheath; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeThe Department's proposals are currently the subject of public inquiries being held in Stratford, east London. Evidence is submitted to the inspector for his consideration. All evidence including that submitted by the London borough of Greenwich is available for consultation at the Inquiries libraries at Plumstead and Stratford. This evidence will be considered by the Secretary of State for the Environment and myself when we have the inspector's report.
§ Mr. CartwrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate his Department has made about increased traffic on roads in Greenwich as a result of the proposed widening of the east London river crossing to dual three lanes between the A 13 and the Thamesmead spine road.
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§ Mr. ChopeThe Department's traffic forecasts show that increasing the width of the bridge from 10m to 11m to provide full dual three-lane standard will have very little effect on traffic flows on roads in Greenwich. For example it is forecast that traffic on the A2016 Western way in the morning peak in 2001 will increase by only 1 per cent. as a result of the widening.