HC Deb 02 April 1998 vol 309 c594W
Mr. Mates

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding traffic congestion on the A3 at Hindhead; and if he will make a statement. [36579]

Ms Glenda Jackson

During the course of the Government's Roads Review consultation, we received over 60 written responses about Hindhead issues. I also responded to an adjournment debate on 19 January 1998 about the A3 at Hindhead and two Parliamentary Questions on the same subject.

The Government's strategic review into highway improvement schemes presently taking place is aimed at determining the role which roads will play in an integrated transport policy, and developing a strategy which will address the problems of congestion and pollution and improve the environment in which we live. The conclusions of the review will be announced later this year.

Mr. Mates

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many cars pass through the single carriageway stretch of the A3 at Hindhead per day, in each direction. [36577]

Ms Glenda Jackson

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Michael Mates, dated 2 April 1998: The Transport Minister, Glenda Jackson has asked me to reply to your recent question about the A3 at Hindhead. Recent traffic flow figures recorded at the A3/A287 signal controlled junction in Hindhead show that over an average week day about 13,600 vehicles travelled on the northbound approach to the junction and about 12,800 on the southbound approach. The Highways Agency is aware of the problems in Hindhead, particularly on the approaches to the signal controlled junction between the A3 and A287. For the short term we are actively seeking ways of improving the performance of the signals in conjunction with Surrey County Council and the Transport Research Laboratory, with the aim of increasing flows through the junction.