§ 43. Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has for noise reduction measures on existing roads. [19438]
§ Dr. StrangThere are several alternative approaches for reducing the noise of traffic on existing roads which need to be considered more fully. Tackling the problem of traffic noise will be an important element in our Integrated Transport policy which will be published as a White Paper next year.
§ 46. Fiona MactaggartTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to provide assistance to people who are subject to the effects of transport noise. [19441]
§ Dr. StrangThe adverse impacts of transport noise are an important concern for Government. There have been significant reductions in the noise from new road vehicles and aircraft, which have led to marked improvements in the noise climate, although in the longer term projections suggest that without further improvements, previous reductions in noise from vehicles would be offset in many areas by traffic growth. We are considering policies on noise as an important strand in the development of our Integrated Transport Policy, on which we will be publishing a White Paper next year.
§ 52. Mr. FallonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make provisions in the Highways Agency budget to provide greater soundproofing of existing motorways. [19447]
§ Dr. StrangThere are several approaches to reducing the noise of traffic on existing roads which need to be considered more fully. Tackling the problem of traffic noise will be an important element in our integrated transport policy which will be published as a White Paper next year.