Motorway Service Areas

HC Deb 09 December 1998 vol 322 cc194-5W

Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the criteria used by the Highways Agency to determine the basis of need for a new motorway service area to be built. [62902]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Decisions on the need for new motorway service areas (MSAs) are not matters for the Highways Agency. Its role is to advise on the impact of MSA proposals on the operation and safety of the motorway and trunk road network. Need is a matter for planning authorities to consider in the light of that and other relative advice. Guidance on the criteria to be used in determining need issues was contained in my answer of 31 July 1998,Official Report, columns 611–12. Copies are in the House Libraries.