HC Deb 28 January 1999 vol 324 c338W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what amount has been spent to date on bridge strengthening to implement EU Directive 85/3/EEC; and how much he estimates will be spent to complete implementation, expressed in each case at November 1987 prices. [67595]

Ms Glenda Jackson

[holding answer 26 January 1999]: On Highways Agency bridges, the estimated expenditure to 31 March 1999 on the current assessment and strengthening programme is £200m at November 1987 prices. The estimated cost to complete the work is £83m.

The Directive requires strengthening to take place only on routes of strategic importance for HGVs. We are not able to separate expenditure by local authorities for these purposes from more general expenditure on bridge works.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the total costs to highway authorities as a result of bridge strengthening works undertaken to implement EU Directive 85/3/EEC, excluding moneys provided to highway authorities from central Government under TPP allocations. [67593]

Ms Glenda Jackson

[holding answer 26 January 1999]: I refer to the previous answer, which provides details of Highways Agency costs to implement bridge strengthening in 1987 prices. We cannot identify local authorities expenditure required for implementation of Directive 85/3/EEC. Not all bridge strengthening work being undertaken by local authorities is a requirement of the Directive.

The assessment programme has provided for a review of the condition and load bearing capability of all local authority bridges in England. Although a proportion of the works planned by authorities are on routes of the greatest strategic importance for HGVs, other works have been identified which authorities wish to undertake to meet the need of their local communities. Authorities also have discretion within their annual capital settlement to adjust the funding given between that for bridge works and that structural maintenance of principal roads.