§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the proposed widening of the M25; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyWe have received numerous comments and suggestions in connection with the widening of the M25. These have all been carefully considered and taken into account in reaching our conclusions about the future strategic needs for this motorway. We will of course continue to listen to any further views that are expressed.
§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what cost-benefit analysis or studies have been made in respect of the M25 duplication or widening schemes(a) already authorised, (b) under active study and (c) currently contemplated; and where such studies are available to the public.
§ Mr. KeyThe following cost-benefit analyses or studies have, are being, or will be undertaken in connection with increasing the capacity of the M25
Junctions 30(A13)–3 (M20): no information yet. The future requirements are under review following the opening of the Queen Elizabeth H Bridge.Junctions 3–5(M26)—rapid widening: no information yet. It is anticipated that consultants will be appointed to prepare detailed proposals later this year or early next.Junctions 5–7(M23)—rapid widening: no information yet. Proposals are being prepared for widening to dual four lanes and information from the cost-benefit analysis, together with studies into air quality, noise, ecology etc will be made available when the environmental statement is published next spring.Junctions 7–8 (Reigate)—rapid widening: details of the proposal to widen this section to dual four lanes, including the information on the results of the cost-benefit analysis as well as other information from other studies were included in the environmental statements made available at public exhibitions earlier this year.Junctions 8–10(A3)—rapid widening: no information published yet. Proposals are being prepared for widening this section to dual four lanes. Information from the cost-benefit analysis and other studies will be made available when the environmental statement is published in the near future.Junctions 10–11(Chertsey)—rapid widening: details of the proposal to widen this section to dual four lanes, including the 19W information on results of the cost-benefit analysis and other studies was included in the environmental statements made available at public exhibitions earlier this year.Junctions 10–12(M3)—widening beyond four lanes: no information has been published yet. Consultants have been appointed to investigate the options for increasing capacity beyond four lanes. If it is decided to go ahead the results of the cost-benefit analysis and ether studies will be made available at public consultation stage.Junctions 12–15(M4)—widening beyond four lanes: information from the cost-benefit analysis and other studies undertaken was available to the public during the public consultation exhibitions held in July 1992. A copy of the technical appraisal report for the scheme, which included information on the cost-benefit analysis was placed in the House of Commons Library last autumn. Further information will be made available in the environmental statement when draft orders are published, probably later this year.Junctions 15–16(M40)—rapid widening: details of the proposal to widen this section to dual four lanes, including information on the results of the cost-benefit analysis and other studies were included in the environmental statement made available at public exhibitions in 1991.Junctions 15–16—widening beyond four lanes: a public consultation assessment report containing the results of the cost-benefit analysis and other studies, was available at the public exhibitions held in July and September this year.Junctions 16–19(Watford)—rapid widening: no information yet. Proposals are being prepared for widening to dual four lanes and information from the cost-benefit analysis and other studies will be made available when the environmental statement is published towards the end of the year.Junctions 19–23(A1)—rapid widening: no information yet. Proposals are being prepared for widening to dual four lanes within the existing highway boundary and information from the cost-benefit analysis and other studies will be made available when the environmental statement is published in 1995.Junctions 16–21(M1)—widening beyond four lanes: no information yet. It is anticipated that consultations will be appointed later this year or early next.Junctions 23–26(Al21)—rapid widening: no information yet. Proposals are being prepared for widening to dual four lanes and information from the cost-benefit analysis and other studies will be made available when the evironmental statement is published towards the end of the year.Junctions 26–28(Al2)—rapid widening: no information yet. Proposals are being prepared for widening to dual four lanes within the existing highway boundary and information from the cost-benefit analysis and other studies will be made available when the environmental statement is published in 1995.Junctions 28–30(A13)—widening: no information yet. Consultants will be appointed at some future date.