Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of using asphalt to resurface roads on health.

It is the responsibility of each local highway authority to manage its road network and to decide what materials are used for any resurfacing. These decisions should be based on local needs and priorities. Organisations undertaking works on the highway should have up to date risk assessments and Health and Safety Plans in line with current Health and Safety legislation.

The Government encourages the use of warm-mix asphalts to reduce the health and safety risks associated with the production and laying of asphalt at higher temperatures. Warm-mix asphalts reduce the risk of burns, and fume generation is reduced by around 50% for each 10°C reduction in temperature.