§ Mr. HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the criteria used for the designation of trunk roads as A(M): if he will list all trunk roads currently classified as A(M); and what plans he has to upgrade the A38 Exeter-Plymouth trunk road as A38(M).
§ Mr. WattsThe decisions to build or improve sections of trunk road to motorway standards, thereby attracting motorway style signs and legal requirements, are taken in consideration of the traffic needs of the particular route and the increased safety which results from higher geometric standards. The way in which a motorway standard length would fit into the wider trunk road network is also relevant.
Trunk roads currently classified as A(M) are:
- A1(M)—several sections
- A66(M)—Darlington
- A194(M)—near Newcastle upon Tyne
- A3(M)—near Portsmouth
- A40(M)—London area
- A102(M)—London area
- A423(M)—Maidenhead
A study of the future needs of the A38 between Exeter and Plymouth is under way which includes consideration of motorway status, but serious problems could arise in upgrading the road to motorway.