HC Deb 31 October 1990 vol 178 cc511-2W
Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contractors are being used to repair the Severn bridge; and whether their contracts specify completion date, with penalties for late completion.

Mr. Chope

The contractor for the strengthening of the Severn crossing is Laing Industrial Engineering Construction. The main works were substantially completed in April 1990, within the provisions of the contract. Liquidated damages are imposed when applicable for late completion.

Resurfacing of the crossing is being carried out by Balfour Beatty Construction. The completion date for this contract is August 1991. Again liquidated damages may be imposed when applicable for late completion.

Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the repairs on the Severn bridge are due to be completed.

Mr. Chope

Strengthening work was substantially completed in April 1990. The resurfacing contract is due to be completed by August 1991.

Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the impact on the rate of accidents on the Severn bridge of the introduction of narrow lanes.

Mr. Chope

Narrowed lanes and associated safety measures such as a 40 mph speed limit were introduced in 1985. In the five years from 1985 the volume of traffic has increased by nearly 40 per cent. while the annual number of accidents has varied between 65 and 31. There is no evidence of a significant change in the rate of accidents since the introduction of narrow lanes.

Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in the investigation into the cause of the recent fatal accident to workmen involved in painting the Severn bridge.

Mr. Chope

Investigations are continuing.

Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to investigate the introduction on the Severn bridge of automatic toll-charging facilities.

Mr. Chope

We are continually reviewing the scope for improved tolling facilities at the Severn bridge. When Severn River Crossing Ltd takes on the present bridge and the provision of a new bridge, it will be responsible for methods of tolling.

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