Written question asked by Greg Knight (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 September 2004. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 September 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reasons the southbound carriageway of the M1 motorway was closed at Junction 11 on 23rd August; who authorised the closure; for how long the motorway was closed; and what assessment he has made of the necessity for closure.

Answer: Mr. Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the southbound carriageway of the M1 motorway was closed at Junction 11 on 23 August; who authorised the closure; for how long the motorway was closed; and what assessment he has made of the necessity for closure. [188580] Mr. McNulty: At approximately 14:50 hours on Monday 23 August, a pedestrian jumped from the bridge that crosses the motorway at Hatters Way, Luton into the path of an oncoming lorry. He sustained fatal injuries. The death has been recorded by HM Coroner's office as suicide. Bedfordshire Police immediately closed the southbound carriageway in order to carry out their investigations. A symbol signed diversion route was set up for road users affected by the carriageway closure. Other strategic signs were set further north of the incident warning of the closure. This was a particularly difficult investigation and clear up task for all involved. The body of the deceased was further struck by other approaching vehicles; thus raising both the sensitivity and the complexity of the police operation. The carriageway was re-opened to traffic at 18:10 hours.

Secondary information