§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the cost evaluation techniques for major highway on-line improvement schemes, the extent to which costs relating to traffic management flow are included and his estimate of the accuracy of cost evaluation techniques. [33388]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe costs and benefits of major highway on-line improvement schemes are evaluated over a period of 30 years from the opening of the scheme using the cost benefit analysis programme, COBA. The traffic delays which can occur during construction are evaluated using the queuing and delays at roadworks analysis programme, QUADRO, and these results are input to COBA as a cost. Both these techniques have been used over many years and the parameters and techniques are continuously updated. The analyses are subject to scrutiny at public inquiries and the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment regularly examines and reports on the techniques used.