To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) lessons have been learned and (b) conclusions have been reached on the trial ban on heavy goods vehicles overtaking on the M42; whether he is considering introducing such a ban on parts of the M18; and if he will make a statement. (139879)

The 18-month experimental period of the trial preventing heavy goods vehicles from overtaking on part of the M42 in Warwickshire expires in October this year. The Highways Agency has not yet completed an overall assessment of the results although initial indications are that there have been no disbenefits to heavy goods vehicles and some benefits to light vehicles. Further trials have begun at suitable locations on the A1 in Durham and the A14 in Northamptonshire. There are no current plans to introduce a similar restriction on the M18.