§ Mr. PattenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy on the use of sound-deadening material in the resurfacing of roads with particular reference to the A34 through Botley, North Hinksey and South Hinksey in Oxfordshire. [3704]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to write to my right hon. Friend.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. John Pattern, dated 25 November 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about his policy on the use of sound deadening material in the resurfacing of roads with particular reference to the A34 through Botley, North Hinksey and South Hinskey in Oxfordshire.There is no statutory framework to require the Department of Transport to take steps to mitigate nuisance from noise which has increased as a result of traffic growth on an unaltered highway. Therefore, we do not resurface roads other than for safety or maintenance reasons. To do so would be incurring premature costs which would require funding being removed from other genuine maintenance projects.The Highways Agency can only undertake resurfacing in the most cost effective manner.When resurfacing works on the A34 through Botley, North Hinskey and South Hinskey become due we shall give careful consideration to the type of material to be used.