Impact of the M25 junction 25 improvement scheme
The petition of residents of the constituency of Enfield North,
Declares that the M25 junction 25 improvement scheme proposed by Highways England has been approved and planned works are due to begin in March 2021 but the scheme poses many problems for the local community; further declares that the proposals set out by Highways England overlook the impact of increased traffic flows and speeding along the route which is through residential neighbourhoods and school precincts; notes that the scheme will increase the presence of HGVs which is a safety concern for the three schools along the route and thousands of children who use the route to and from school; further notes that there have been 13 motor accidents involving HGVs on this route since 2015 and two fatal accidents involving HGVs since this scheme was introduced in 2001; and further declares that the proposals set out by Highways England present a serious lack of measures to mitigate air pollution and ensure that the road is safe for residents, school children and other road users.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to take into account the concerns of the petitioners and take immediate action to assess thoroughly the impact of the M25 junction 25 improvement scheme on the surrounding neighbourhoods and the environment, and to introduce effective measures to ensure that air pollution is mitigated and the road is safe for residents, school children and other road users.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Feryal Clark, Official Report, 26 January 2021; Vol. 688, c. 333.]
[P002645]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Baroness Vere of Norbiton): The Government are committed to working with Highways England to clarify mitigating factors and address the concerns of the hon. Member for Enfield North (Feryal Clark).
Highways England is aware of the hon. Member’s concerns about traffic on Bullsmoor Lane. Its modelling shows that there will be no significant impact on traffic levels on this road but expect improved traffic flow. Therefore, we do not expect any negative impact on air quality or road safety.
Highways England will mitigate any impact during construction, by ensuring any site deliveries will be planned to provide immediate access to the site with no queuing on the A10 northbound and will not be routed down Bullsmoor Lane or local roads. Highways England will also continue to work with the relevant local authorities to manage the impact on local roads.
Highways England will keep residents and the local community informed during construction of the scheme.