§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ensure that a public explanation is offered for the confusion and delay which severely affected traffic on the northbound carriageway of the M1 north of junction 29 on 13 and 14 March; what action is being taken to avoid a recurrence of such an experience; and what redress those affected have available under the terms of the citizens charter.
§ Mr. Key[holding answer 18 March 1994]: During the night of 13 and 14 March, changes were being made to the traffic management on the major maintenance scheme to the north of junction 30 on the M1. These changes were agreed between the resident engineer, the contractor and the police and were planned to occur during a period of light traffic flow to minimise the delays and confusion to traffic. On Sunday 13 March heavy rain and gales threatened to make the work more difficult and, with the agreement of the police, work started at 2030—earlier than planned. This decision was taken to ensure that the changes were completed before the Monday morning rush hour.
Unfortunately some inconvenience is inevitable during essential changes in traffic management. Clearly every effort was made to minimise inconvenience and delay during essential maintenance work and therefore there is no redress under the citizens charter. I am sorry that members of the public suffered delay and confusion on this scheme, which has now been completed ahead of schedule.