§ 82. Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the dangerous condition of a new road surface on the Great North Road between Wansford and Eaton Socon when wet; whether he is aware that many accidents have occurred owing to the slippery nature of the surface; and whether, in conjunction with the local authorities, something can be done to remedy this state of affairs?
§ Mr. GOSLINGA few complaints have been brought to my notice regarding the slippery condition of part of this road under certain weather conditions. Surfacing materials of similar character are, however, widely used with very slight inconvenience to traffic. I fear that occasional slipperiness is part of the price, that must be paid for the smooth surface which modern transport demands. I may add that expenditure incurred by highway authorities in sanding or gritting, when necessary, Class I or Class II roads, ranks for grant from the Road Fund.
§ Mr. MACKINDERWhat is the speed limit on that road?
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the dangerous condition of the road not dependent largely on the speed at which vehicles are driven over it?
§ Viscount CURZONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it has become necessary for the local authorities to put up notices specially warning the drivers of lorries as to the very dangerous condition of the road under certain conditions, and can he not give special attention to the question why the road surface is so bad?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI was not aware of the facts stated, but I take note of them.
§ Sir V. WARRENDERHow many omnibuses are running on this road?