§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will require the preparation of an environmental impact assessment when the widening of motorways is proposed. [1332]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe publication of an environmental statement assessing the impact of a project for constructing or improving any highway is a statutory requirement under the provisions of Part VA of the Highways Act 1980 if the area of the project exceeds 1 hectare or is situated in whole or in part in a sensitive area.
§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy on the widening of motorways. [1331]
§ Mr. JamiesonOur 10-Year-Plan, Transport 2010 includes provision for widening some 5 per cent. (360 miles) of the strategic road network. Such widening will be a key element in meeting our objective to reduce road congestion on the inter-urban network and in large urban areas in England below current levels by 2010 by promoting integrated transport solutions and investing in public transport and the road network.