The policy of transferring to local highway authorities the responsibility for trunk roads that are considered to be non-core was first set out in the White Paper “A New Deal for Transport”, published in July 1998 (Cm 3950).

Following advice from the Highways Agency, informed by discussions with the relevant authorities, I have now decided that the following routes should be removed from the announced detrunking programme and remain part of the strategic road network, maintained and operated by the Highways Agency:

M32 (Bristol to M4 Junction 19);

A36/A46 (from M4 near Bristol to M27 near Southampton); and

M65 (Junctions 8 to 10).

I have written to the appropriate local highway authorities and relevant Members of Parliament, outlining the reasons for my decision. Copies of the letters to the Members of Parliament have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.