§ 42. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the danger of the new upright curb-stones along the sides of the new arterial and main roads; and whether he will consider whether it would be more advantageous and less dangerous if the edges were rounded off and sloped down to the road at a more gentle angle?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI do not consider that vertical curbs are dangerous, but in certain circumstances splayed or rounded edges, as used in many districts, are preferable, and I gave instructions some time ago to the engineering staff of my Department that local authorities should be encouraged to extend the practice where suitable.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLDoes not this practice add to the cost, as well as to the obstruction?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI do not think that that is so. It would be more expensive to have a curved than an upright curb.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs it not much safer?
§ Mr. RADFORDIs it not the case that upright curbs are more likely to afford protection to pedestrians on the footpath?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is exactly the point. In urban areas, where pedestrians are in evidence, the upright curbs are preferable, but in the country, where there are none, I think the curved ones are preferable.