Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Gwynne Excerpts
Thursday 28th January 2016

(8 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Robert Goodwill Portrait Mr Goodwill
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I had the pleasure of visiting my hon. Friend’s constituency to see that particular issue for myself. I will be in a position to make an announcement in due course.

Andrew Gwynne Portrait Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab)
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At the last Transport questions, I asked the Secretary of State if he could look into the issue of excess noise coming from the M60 motorway, which has been made worse as a result of the Denton pinch point scheme. Since then, I have met officers of Highways England on site with the residents. Highways England officers have basically told me that they will not do anything, because the noise affects only eight properties. Will the Minister please meet me to discuss this matter, and will he knock some common sense into Highways England, which, quite frankly, has given me a jobsworth’s answer?

Robert Goodwill Portrait Mr Goodwill
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I know that particular communities around the country are affected by noise. Mitigation can often be put in place by using better road surfacing materials or noise barriers, and it may well be that something could be done in that area. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman gets in touch with the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Andrew Jones)—he has responsibility for roads—who will no doubt be very happy to meet him.