§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of the noise levels experienced by residents of Lewes arising from surface noise from the A27 Lewes bypass; if he will make it his policy to secure the early resurfacing of this road; and if he will make a statement. [62312]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 18 June 2002]: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Norman Baker, dated 20 June 2002:
I have been asked by the Transport Minister, John Spellar, to reply to your recent question about surface noise from the A27 Lewes Bypass.The position with regard to noise levels and future resurfacing of the A27 Lewes Bypass remains as set out in John Spellar's letter to you dated 3 January 2002.Whilst writing, I would take the opportunity to clarify the information in paragraph 3 of that letter about compensation under Part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973.Compensation is payable under Part I for depreciation of £50 or more in the value of a property caused by physical factors arising from the road in use. Those factors include noise but it is not necessary for the noise levels to reach 68 dB (A).