§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo 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. JamiesonThere are no plans for new planting on existing wide central reservations on the existing motorway network.
§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo 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. JamiesonNo research has been commissioned by my Department into the effect of foliage in central reservations of motorways on driver psychology.
§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo 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. JamiesonNo. 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.