§ 27 and 29. Lieut.-Colonel MAYHEWasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the frequent accidents that take place on the Romford Road between Green Street, Forest Gate, and the Broadway, Ilford, in the majority of eases to children; and whether he will consider the imposition of a speed limit;
(2) whether he is aware that there are four schools and two railway stations all evacuating into the two miles of the Romford Road between Green Street, Forest Gate, and the Broadway, Ilford; that all day long there is a stream of traffic, both ways, of lorries, tramcars, and omnibuses, as well as motor cars and motor cycles, and that a high and dangerous speed is attained owing to this road being so straight; and will he take immediate steps to alleviate the danger to foot passengers and the anxiety of the parents of young children both while attending school and during play hours?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Oliver Stanley)The conditions in the section of Romford Road referred to have been brought to my notice on a number of occasions but they do not present features which differ materially from those in other main roads in London. The road receives continuous attention from traffic patrols and police on foot and a police officer attends at each of the four schools in the vicinity of Romford Road to assist children during the times of assembly and departure. In the Road Traffic Bill now before Parliament, I am proposing a general speed limit in built-up areas and am seeking powers to approve schemes for the establishment of crossing places for foot passengers.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MAYHEWWould my hon. Friend take steps to erect pedestrian crossings at dangerous places before the summer?
§ Mr. STANLEYThat will depend upon the rapidity with which the House approves of the proposals of the Road Traffic Bill.