HC Deb 11 March 1993 vol 220 cc667-8W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the total number of motorway sites in the United Kingdom providing toilet facilities(a) in 1989, (b) currently and (c) planned for 1994.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

Toilets are provided at all motorway service areas (MSAs), while other locations where toilets are available have also been signed from motorways from time to time. In 1989 there were 42 MSAs in England and three other facilities signed from motorways. Corresponding figures for March 1993 are 44 and five respectively. We expect at least three further MSAs to have opened by the end of 1994, and a number of others to be under construction. Since 6 August, development of future MSAs has been a matter for the private sector.

Motorway services in Scotland and Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further action he will take to ensure that litter is removed from motorways.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

I am determined to ensure that the standards and response times for litter clearance specified in the code of practice on litter and refuse are met. Motorway patrols are required to report accumulations of litter so that action can be put in hand to clear them quickly. More than £3 million will be spent on sweeping and removing litter from motorways this year.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about increasing the 70 mph limit on motorways.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

I receive few representations for an increase in the motorway speed limit; most relate to the desirability of a lower limit or increased enforcement of the existing limit.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the suitability of the 70 mph speed limit in regard to safety.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

Such an assessment was made as part of the speed limit review in July 1991, which concluded that the 70 mph limit continued to strike the right balance between the need for efficient travel and road safety. The policy document "Killing Speed and Saving Lives" published on 13 January 1993 provided information on the relationship between speed and road accidents on which that conclusion was based. A copy is available in the Library of the House.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has commissioned on the possible effects of closing entrances and exits on the M25.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

A major review carried out in 1988–89 considered the control of access to the M25 as a traffic management measure to maximise the operational efficiency of the motorway. It was concluded that, although closure of junctions might relieve congestion on the M25, the overall effect of increased traffic on local roads would be to create congestion, accidents and environmental disbenefits.

Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the length of the motorway where the M6 and M42 run in parallel.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

The M6 and M42 motorways run in parallel for approximately two and a quarter miles.