§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department received the Borough of Chelmsford (A414 Main Road and Maldon Road, Danbury) (Speed Limit) Order from Essex county council for confirmation; and when his Department's confirmation is expected.
§ Mr. ChopeThe application for consent to these speed limit proposals which is currently with the Department was effectively lodged in August 1991 when detailed supporting information was received from Essex county council. This followed earlier lengthy discussions and correspondence leading to my Department's approval in principle being given in December 1990.
609WThere are a number of legal issues in respect of the order itself still to be resolved before the Secretary of State can give formal consent. The Department's regional office has brought these to the attention of the county council.
Progress is dependent on the county council's resolution of these legal problems and I am therefore unable at this stage to specify a date by which consent may be given. Immediate consideration will be given however to the council's response, when received.