To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what plans he has to implement a temporary speed limit reduction on (a) the M1 motorway between junctions 30 and 31 and (b) on the M18 motorway between junction 1 and the junction with the M1 motorway; and if he will make a statement. (303438)

The information is as follows:

(a) The M1 junction 30-31 scheme is to strengthen the hardshoulders of both northbound and southbound carriageways. The work started 30 November and is scheduled for completion in early January 2010. The work is being undertaken with overnight hardshoulder and Lane 1 closures without the need for speed reduction.

(b) There are no schemes planned between junction 1 of the M18 and junction 32 of the M1. However, the Highways Agency will be carrying out hardshoulder strengthening works on the northbound and southbound carriageways of the M1 between junction 32 and junction 33. This work is programmed to commence in February 2010 for three weeks and will be undertaken with overnight hardshoulder and Lane 1 closures without the need for speed reduction.