HC Deb 10 July 2002 vol 388 cc976-7W
Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to reduce road noise levels. [68229]

Mr. Jamieson

The Government's proposals for reducing the noise levels near the strategic network of English trunk roads, including motorways, were published in the 10 Year Plan for Transport. These include a commitment that over 60 per cent. of the network, including all lengths having concrete surfaces, will be resurfaced with quieter materials by the end of the plan period. All proposals for new or improved trunk roads will include the use of quieter surfacing. In addition, other noise reducing measures will be provided in the most serious and pressing cases where there is no early prospect of the road being resurfaced. Priority in such cases will be given to roads where there are severe effects on adjacent properties and no such measures were provided when they were built or last improved.