§ Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy on providing access from the motorway network to new motorway service areas; and if he will make a statement. [23721]
§ Mr. WattsThe Highways Agency is consulted on all planning applications for new motorway service areas—MSAs. It will not normally object so long as the proposal meets a range of minimum requirements relating to the facilities to be provided and the spacing of the site from other MSAs, and provided the proposed access arrangements are acceptable in safety and traffic management terms. As a matter of policy, however, we do not expect to connect new MSAs to any motorway which, because of exceptional traffic circumstances, has been or is expected to be widened to dual five lane standard. To do so would invite further congestion on what are the most heavily used parts of the motorway network