Asked by: Damian Green (Conservative - Ashford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the areas in Kent that have received a notification from Highways England in relation to their suitability for lorry parking.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
As part of its work on Operation Brock, Highways England has written to over 1,000 landholders along the M2/A2 and M20/A20 corridors in Kent to seek permission to access their land for ecological surveys. These surveys are required for Highways England to gain a better understanding of the local environment, and should not be taken to indicate that any decisions have been taken. Further information will be published by Highways England early next year as potential options are explored as part of the planning process.
Asked by: Damian Green (Conservative - Ashford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the progress of road works on the M20 between Junctions 3 and 6; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Work to upgrade the M20 between junctions 3 and 5 to a smart motorway began in March 2018. The scheme is estimated to be open for traffic in March 2020.
The main construction milestones for the M20 smart motorway scheme are on track to be met. These include works within the verge and central reserve to be completed by the end of November 2019.
Asked by: Damian Green (Conservative - Ashford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the accident figures on the M20 motorway between Junctions 8 and 9 for September and October (a) 2018 and (b) 2017 and (c) 2016.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
There were 9 collisions on the M20 between Junction 8 and 9 (both directions) during September and October 2016.
There were 6 collisions on the M20 between Junction 8 and 9 (both directions) during September and October 2017.
No validated collisions data exists for 2018. This will be available in 2019.
Asked by: Damian Green (Conservative - Ashford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of progress in preparations for avoiding the introduction of Operation Stack on the M20; if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Since 2015, improvements made to increase capacity at both Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover combined with better management and monitoring arrangements for Dover TAP (Traffic Assessment Project), which controls HGV traffic on the A20, have avoided the use of Stack on the M20. In addition, we are delivering an interim scheme on the M20 between junctions 8 and 9 to allow two way flow of traffic, even when the M20 needs to be utilised. Highways England and the Department for Transport have robust project and programme management processes in place for the delivery of this work, and both the Secretary of State and I receive regular updates. Work has started on the M20, and it is presently running to schedule. Highways England is confident this work will be completed in line with the agreed timescale, by March 2019.
Highways England have also been tasked with providing a long term solution to traffic delays caused by cross channel disruption and they are undergoing a public consultation which finishes on 22 July, progress on this is also going according to plan.
Asked by: Damian Green (Conservative - Ashford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of progress in preparations for avoiding the introduction of Operation Stack on the M20; if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Since 2015, improvements made to increase capacity at both Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover combined with better management and monitoring arrangements for Dover TAP (Traffic Assessment Project), which controls HGV traffic on the A20, have avoided the use of Stack on the M20. In addition, we are delivering an interim scheme on the M20 between junctions 8 and 9 to allow two way flow of traffic, even when the M20 needs to be utilised. Highways England and the Department for Transport have robust project and programme management processes in place for the delivery of this work, and both the Secretary of State and I receive regular updates. Work has started on the M20, and it is presently running to schedule. Highways England is confident this work will be completed in line with the agreed timescale, by March 2019.
Highways England have also been tasked with providing a long term solution to traffic delays caused by cross channel disruption and they are undergoing a public consultation which finishes on 22 July, progress on this is also going according to plan.
Asked by: Damian Green (Conservative - Ashford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to mitigate the effects of Operation Stack on traffic flow across Kent.
Answered by Andrew Jones
Operation Stack is led by Kent police, with the support of all other emergency services, Highways England, Kent County Council, and many other key partners. Steps taken to mitigate the latest Calais disruption include: