§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy for reducing the noise of traffic on motorways and trunk roads which pass through residential areas; and if he will make funds available for noise-reducing programmes. [8122]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe policy towards the mitigation of the noise of traffic on motorways and trunk roads near to residential properties derives from the Land Compensation Act 1973 and the associated Noise Insulation Regulations. On roads or motorways constructed or improved since 17 October 1969, appropriate measures to mitigate the impact of traffic noise have been provided and owners of affected properties have been able to claim additional compensation for the consequential lowering of the value of their property. It is not our policy to provide further measures to reduce the noise of traffic on trunk roads and motorways after the works have been completed and there are no plans to allocate funds for this purpose. In exceptional cases, where a trunk road was built before 17 October 1969 and not subsequently improved, noise barriers have been provided where it could be shown that644W these would be a feasible and cost—effective alternative to noise insulation of a significant number of affected properties, had that option been available.