HC Deb 25 October 1993 vol 230 cc430-1W
Mr. Page

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what have been the results of studies into the effectiveness of porous asphalt for motorway surfaces.

Mr. Key

Compared with other road surfacings currently in use, porous asphalt offers lower traffic noise and less spray from vehicles in wet conditions. The material has not so far proved as durable as conventional surfacings, there is an increased maintenance requirement and at present its use on roads carrying large numbers of heavy lorries is not advised.