§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which categories of traffic he proposes to ban from the A1 corridor between Lobley Mill and North Brunton, Newcastle; if that ban will extend to the New Tyne Crossing; over what hours the ban will be in force; what alternative routes he 451W proposes; when the ban is to be introduced; and what consultation he proposes to have with local residents and schools that may be affected. [66600]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 19 January 1999:
The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked Lawrie Haynes, the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question. I am replying in Lawrie's absence from the office. You asked "Which categories of traffic he proposes to ban from the A1 corridor between Lobley Hill and North Brunton, Newcastle; if that ban will extend to the New Tyne Crossing; over what hours the ban will be in force; what alternative routes he proposes; when the ban is to be introduced; and what consultation he proposes to have with local residents and schools that may be affected".You will know of the considerable peak hour congestion that occurs on the A1 in Tyneside. It is felt that slow moving vehicles exacerbate this problem and we propose to introduce a ban, by means of an experimental Temporary Traffic Order this Spring.It is proposed that any vehicle which cannot attain a speed of 30mph on the level in free-flowing conditions will be prohibited from entering the A1 Gateshead and Newcastle Western By-Passes. This will include the sections between Lobley Hill, the Tyne Crossing at Blaydon and North Brunton. The ban, when introduced, will be in force between the hours of 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm from Monday to Friday and is expected to be introduced this Spring.Consultations will be held with local authorities and other representative bodies with the issue or alternative routes being discussed before the ban is introduced. This temporary scheme will be implemented under the powers of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order. During this time we will monitor the impact on traffic movements and views of any interested individuals or organisations will be welcomed. Any comments received will be taken into account before deciding whether to make the ban permanent.