Written question asked by Lord Hammond of Runnymede (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 26 January 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Friday, 26 January 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what benefits have arisen from the imposition of a 50 mph speed limit on the M4 eastbound section between Heathrow Airport and the elevated section. - Inc figure.

Answer: Mr. Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what benefits have arisen from the imposition of a 50 mph speed limit on the M4 eastbound section between Heathrow Airport and the elevated section. [146953] Mr. Hill: The introduction of a 50 mph speed limit on the eastbound M4 between Heathrow and the elevated section has led to a decrease in personal injury accidents. This is an encouraging and welcome trend, but is too early to say if it is a long term benefit. In addition, the independent Transport Research Laboratory's (TRL) report of their monitoring of the M4 bus lane during the first year calculates that during off peak periods, noise levels are one dBA lower, CO2 emissions have reduced by 16 per cent. and fuel consumption of vehicles using the road has improved by 16 per cent.

Secondary information