§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will370W instruct the Highways Agency to prepare plans for noise pollution barriers on the section of the M62 adjoining to Bradley Wood, Huddersfield; [120129]
(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that noise pollution caused by motorways is reduced. [120128]
§ Mr. HillNo. The Government set out their policy towards dealing with the problems of traffic noise arising from motorways and other roads managed by the Highways Agency in "A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England". We expect considerable benefits to be achieved by the increased use of quieter surfaces both for new trunk roads and for those needing maintenance. In addition, we have asked the Highways Agency to consider the case for providing noise mitigation in the worst cases where no other action was being taken to provide relief for residential properties. The Government are also supporting the implementation of a proposed EU Directive that will require vehicle tyres to meet noise emission limits.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements he has made with the Highways Agency to increase sound pollution barriers when stretches of existing motorways are(a) upgraded and (b) modified. [120130]
§ Mr. HillThe Highways Agency is required to assess the potential adverse effects on the environment of any modifications to existing motorways which involve physical alterations. With regard to noise, the effectiveness of any existing sound barriers will be taken into account and proposals for upgrading them or for alternative measures to be provided in conjunction with the alteration will be considered.