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136 
P OVERTAKING
Page 9
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MP calls for overtaking ban on Mul
SOUTH CAMBRIDGESHIRE MP Andrew Lansley has called on the Government to introduce an HGV overtaking ban on the M11 near Stansted.
Lansley has written to Jim Fitzpatrick, the Department for Transport (DfT) minister, asking for a ban on the two-lane stretch of the M11 between Junctions 8 and 9.
"HGV traffic is increasing rapidly; tailbacks are frequently caused by HGVs using the outside lane. Banning lorries from overtaking on this section would ease congestion."
He adds that the section between J8 and J9 is a long stretch of motorway with no entries or exits, and so is ideally suited for an HGV overtaking ban.
While the DfT could not comment, the Highways Agency says it undertook a review of M11 congestion last year, which considered the feasibility of an overtaking ban on trucks.
A spokesman adds: "We are consulting our partners about the possibility of implementing an overtaking restriction, with a view to developing proposals for a scheme in 2009/10.
"If a proposal represents value for money and is affordable, a scheme could be delivered in 2010/11."
But Chrys Rampley, manager for infrastructure at the Road Haulage Association (RHA), opposes overtaking bans.
"If there is a problem on this section then, in the short term, it ought to be addressed by hard-shoulder running — and a longer-term solution of widening the motorway to three lanes should be considered."