§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any plans for service areas on the M40.
The Earl of CaithnessWe have proposed three motorway service areas (MSAs) for the M.40, we intend to open them at about the same time as the road. All three schemes, however, provoked objections which led to lengthy public inquiries and substantial delays in provision. Planning clearance was eventually refused for one of the sites, but it was granted for the other two and construction is now under way; both are due to open next year. In the meantime, temporary facilities, open 24 hours a day, are signposted from the motorway at Junction 10 and between Junctions 13 and 15.
Following a commitment in the Citizen's Charter, future MSAs will be promoted by the private sector rather than the Department of Transport. We understand that at least three planning applications for further MSAs on the M.40 are currently under consideration.