HC Deb 09 May 1995 vol 259 cc344-5W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what new sections of Britain's motorway network will be covered by acoustic fencing in the next year. [22123]

Mr. Watts

This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked its chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. David Chidgey, dated 9 May 1995: As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport, what new sections of Britain's motorway network will be covered by acoustic fencing in the next year. Only schemes which had a start of works prior to April 1995 and are still under construction are included. It is dependent on the contractor's programme and progress. The total length of Acoustic Barrier programmed to be erected this year on motorway construction schemes is approximately 10.3 miles

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the total expenditure by his Department in each year since 1990 on acoustic fencing on motorways. [22126]

Mr. Watts

This detailed information is not held centrally. It could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the exact locations of the sections of Britain's motorway network that are currently covered by acoustic fencing and the date that each section of acoustic fencing was implemented. [22129]

Mr. Watts

The detailed information is not held centrally. It could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are his Department's criteria for the implementation of acoustic fencing on(a) motorways and (b) other highways. [22130]

Mr. Watts

This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked its chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. David Chidgey, dated 9 May 1995: As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State, what are his Department's criteria for the implementation of acoustic fencing on (a) motorways and (b) other highways. The criteria for the implementation of acoustic fencing on construction schemes for motorways and trunk roads are the same. Acoustic fences are provided where it is demonstrated that noise levels at a number of adjacent residential properties would otherwise be unreasonably high and that other measures would be less cost effective.