§ Mr. LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the total number of(a) valid objections to and (b) indications of support received by his Department for the proposed M62 relief road.
§ Mr. KeySo far, over 17,500 representations have been received. Most are opposed to the proposals. The figure includes an element of duplication.
§ Mr. LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what effects his recently announced intention of accelerating the approvals procedure for new roads will have on the M62 relief road.
§ Mr. KeyLast August my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport announced a package of measures aimed at cutting the time it takes to prepare and build new roads and bypasses. A major element is the setting up of the Highways Agency which is to take on responsibility for the management and delivery of the roads programme on the 1 April. This does not mean that the rights of those opposed to the M62 relief road will be changed. Progress on this scheme will depend on its meeting objectives, the proper clearance of the approval procedures, and the availability of funds.