HC Deb 14 March 1927 vol 203 cc1649-50
87. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the increased traffic through Brentford in spite of the new Great West Road; and whether he is taking any steps to remedy this state of affairs?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

The average daily number of vehicles, excluding pedal cycles, which passed a selected point in Brentford High Street, in both directions, in August, 1922, was 5,299, while the average daily number in August, 1925, after the Great West Road was opened to traffic, was 3,704, a reduction of 30 per cent. Later figures of the traffic passing through Brentford are not available, but I am arranging for a census to be taken shortly and I will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that lately there has been an increase in traffic; that the object of building this new road is to speed up the traffic, but by putting a police trap on the new road he is not only slowing up traffic but sending it round another way?

Colonel ASHLEY

Two roads can be used.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange that traffic should be diverted to this new road?

Colonel ASHLEY

I do not think that is possible.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many motorists find it safer to drive through Brentford rather than go round by the new road?