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Surrey: M25 Noise Pollution
17 March 2020
Lead MP
Jonathan Lord
Woking
Con
Responding Minister
Kelly Tolhurst
Tags
TaxationTransport
Word Count: 3747
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Jonathan Lord raised concerns about surrey: m25 noise pollution in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should ensure that the section of road between junctions 10 and 11 is fully resurfaced to reduce noise levels within 12 months after the completion of the M1 trial, which aims to test materials and techniques for reducing noise on concrete surfaces.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The surface of the motorway between junctions 10 and 11 on the M25 consists of concrete blocks that cause significant noise pollution, affecting thousands of residents in Byfleet, West Byfleet, Pyrford, and up to 4 km away. The repetitive buffeting as tyres pass over expansion joints adds substantially to noise levels. Since 20 years ago when Labour promised to replace or overlay all concrete main roads by March 2011, no plans exist for resurfacing the M25 section in question despite Highways England repairing failed joints and acknowledging residents' concerns.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
He reiterated the concerns about noise pollution from the M25 in his constituency, highlighting that cars can be heard a kilometre away from the motorway. He urged the Minister to review proposals for the stretch of the M25 later this year and meet him and another MP to improve the situation.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
He briefly addressed the importance of reducing noise pollution, mentioning that it affects road safety and causes physical and mental health problems. He suggested investing more in public transport and encouraging electric vehicle use to reduce overall road usage.
Government Response
Kelly Tolhurst
Government Response
I thank my hon. Friends for securing this debate on the M25 noise pollution issue in Surrey and acknowledge their concerns about road surface quality and its impact on local residents. Highways England is working to mitigate noise levels through preventative measures like barriers and noise insulation, with nine sites already having noise insulation installed and two more pending completion. A trial on the M1 at junction 5 aims to identify materials and techniques for reducing noise from concrete surfaces, expected to conclude in 2022. Highways England remains committed to regular maintenance and innovative solutions to improve road surface conditions and reduce noise levels around the M25.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.