§ 44. Sir ASSHETON POWNALLasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the verdict of the West Surrey coroner's jury on 4th June at an inquiry into the loss of life in a motor accident at a dangerous corner near Haslemere; whether, prior to the fatal accident, the corner was known to be dangerous; and will he ascertain who was responsible for allowing this spot on a much frequented road to remain dangerous?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Oliver Stanley)The coroner's jury found that the accident was caused by an error of judgment on the part of the driver of the coach in respect of the dangerous corner and the speed at which he was travelling. My information is to the following effect: There have not been any previous accidents at this point. Within recent years the road has been widened to 30 feet and resurfaced. There is a white line in the centre. The gradient of the road is about 1 in 45; the view is quite unrestricted and the carriageway super-elevated, and there is a bank on the inside of the bend which would prevent vehicles travelling at an appropriate speed from dropping into the Punch Bowl. A warning notice is displayed at each end of the bend for the guidance of drivers on this hilly stretch of road. In all these circumstances, it would not appear that any responsibility attaches to the highway authority, or that any inquiry into their position in the matter is necessary or could serve any useful purpose.