§ Mr. BatesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy towards restrictions on access to new motorway service areas for motor rescue services including the RAC and AA.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe operators of existing motorway service areas are required under the terms of their leases to permit access at all times to the employees or agents of the AA and the RAC to carry out emergency repairs to members' vehicles. I have decided that this right should be continued under the new regime announced on 6 August last year, and that they should also apply in new motorway service areas. My Department will therefore not agree to provide signs to a new motorway service area unless the operator agrees to permit access to the AA and the RAC. I am considering whether similar rights should be extended to other motor rescue services.
90W