§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to evaluate the safety and cost-effectiveness of the wire rope safety fence technology in use on the central reservation of the M62 in West Yorkshire.
§ Mr. ChopeA two-rope design of wire rope safety fence has been safely and successfully deployed on 10 km of the M62 since 1971. During the last 18 months, some of this fence has been replaced with an enhanced four-rope design of wire rope safety fence which has been developed by industry.
Prior to the Department adopting this new enhanced design of fence in December 1988, a full assessment was undertaken. This indicated a satisfactory vehicle impact performance together with likely competitive costings for initial installation and future repair and maintenance.
I will write to the hon. Member giving fuller details of the development and use of wire rope safety fencing in the United Kingdom.