HC Deb 28 October 2002 vol 391 c589W
Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for planting foliage in central reservations of 10 metres or more on motorways. [76569]

Mr. Jamieson

There are no plans for new planting on existing wide central reservations on the existing motorway network.

Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been commissioned on the effect of foliage in central reservations of motorways on driver psychology. [76570]

Mr. Jamieson

No research has been commissioned by my Department into the effect of foliage in central reservations of motorways on driver psychology.

Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has commissioned research into the effect of planting foliage on the central reservations of motorways in other countries on(a) safety, (b) the environment and (c) tourism. [76571]

Mr. Jamieson

No. A working group was set up in 1988–89 that examined the design options for central reservation policy. It took account of European practice at that time. It did not find any evidence of significant benefits for safety, the environment or tourism in the use of such planting.