HC Deb 01 July 1997 vol 297 cc134-5W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the length of the stretches of road to be included in the proposed widening of the M25 in Surrey including those areas involving the removal of hard shoulders; and if he will make a statement. [6335]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The widening scheme for M25 junctions 12 to 15 is 10.9 km long of which 1.595 km of the Northbound carriageway and 955 m of the Southbound carriageway has discontinued hard shoulder.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the accelerated highways review will include an assessment of the safety implications of containing the proposed widening of the M25 in Surrey within the existing motorway curtilage; and if he will make a statement. [6340]

Ms Jackson

The Accelerated Review will assess schemes in terms of accessibility, safety, economy and environmental impact. The safety implications of continuing widening within the existing motorway boundary will be considered.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the projected carbon emissions within the vicinity are consequent on the proposed widening of the M25 between junctions 12 and 15 will be compatible with the commitments made on behalf of the United Kingdom under the Convention on Climate Change; and if he will make a statement. [6337]

Ms Jackson

The UK is on course to meet its climate change convention commitment to return national emissions of carbon dioxide to 1990 levels by the year 2000. Within this trend of downward total national emissions some individual emissions may rise. As shown in the Environmental Statement about the scheme this is forecast for the proposed widening of the M25 between junctions 12 and 15. Such increases are not incompatible with the UK commitment.

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