§ Mr. FitzpatrickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to protect residents in the Canning Town area from increased noise pollution as a result of changes to the A13; [39262]
(2) how much money has been made available for noise insulation for homes in the Canning Town area to protect them from increased traffic flows; [39263]
(3) what are the projected increased noise levels in the Canning Town area as a result of the improvements to the A 13; [39264]
(4) how many homes in the Canning Town area will benefit from noise insulation offered by the Highways Agency to protect them against traffic-induced noise. [39265]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to my hon. Friend.
670WLetter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Jim Fitzpatrick, dated 23 April 1998:
The Transport Minister, Glenda Jackson has asked me to reply to your recent questions about traffic noise levels arising from the A13 Ironbridge to Canning Town improvement as these are operational issues for the Highways Agency.No financial limit has been set for providing traffic noise insulation to homes in the area. Offers of noise insulation will be made to all occupiers of dwellings that qualify in accordance with the Noise Insulation Regulations.We have estimated that up to 650 dwellings will qualify and a list will be published in due course.Noise levels immediately adjacent to the scheme have been calculated to increase by between 1 and 4 db(A) in 2011 as a result of increased traffic flows and speeds.However, to mitigate the effects, we are planning to put barriers alongside the new carriageways. 2 metre high barriers, 700 metres long are proposed on the new bridges over the River Lea and the Canning Town Flyover, and a 3 metre high screen, 160 metres long will be provided on the new road adjacent to Portree Street, to protect properties there. The benefits of these barriers for individual properties would depend on the type of property and its location.