WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1895/98 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. A13-M25 Wennington to Mardyke Road improvement scheme: concrete road surface
C 118/6 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 29. 4. 1999 Expansion of human settlements and especially construction activities in an uncontrolled manner in environmentally sensitive territories can represent a significant risk factor and can induce natural disasters. Spatial planning measures can help to promote sustainable land use patterns and avoid risk of disasters. Member States together with the Commission are currently promoting spatial planning through the elaboration of the European spatial development perspectiveí as an official reference document to guide actions in those fields. As far as forest protection is concerned, all Member States have signed the resolutions of the Ministerial Conferences on the protection of forests in Europe (Strasbourg 1990, Helsinki 1993, Lisbon 1998) and are committed to the conservation and sustainable development of their national forest resources. Forest policy is not a matter of Community competence. Nevertheless forestry is an integral part of rural development. The Commission in the context of Agenda 2000 and in particular in its proposal concerning rural development has reinforced the support measures to promote sustainable management and development of forestry, conservation of forest resources, extension of woodland areas. This support will contribute to the fulfilment of undertakings made by the Community and the Member States at international level. It will be based on national forest plans as adopted in the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests. (1) OJ C 354, 24. 11. 1998. (1999/C 118/006) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1895/98 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (16 June 1998) Subject: A13 › M25 Wennington to Mardyke Road improvement scheme: concrete road surface Does the Commission accept that the use of concrete road surfacing produces more dust and higher noise levels than any other type of road surfacing material? Would the Commission agree that the use of low- noise or asphalt road surfaces should be standard practice across Europe, thus affording greater protection for our environment, and providing a better quality of life for people living in close proximity to main road networks? Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (3 September 1998) Decisions on the use of concrete, asphalt or other pavement material for road construction depend on factors such as stability of the foundations, general weather conditions, investment costs, maintenance costs, road safety requirements, environmental requirements and the availability of materials. National and local authorities responsible for road construction are best placed to decide what material is most appropriate, for particular conditions and requirements. The Commission is, therefore, not in a position to agree that the use of porous asphalt should be standard practice across Europe