HC Deb 16 February 1938 vol 331 c1889
76. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the representations of Fife County Council regarding the decision of the Ministry that the width of the new bridge at Guard-bridge should be 20 feet, although prevision has been made in constructing the bridge for a carriage-way of 30 feet, in view of the very awkward road junction at the west end of the bridge; and whether a final decision can be postponed pending further consideration?

81. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that though the new bridge at Guard-bridge, Fife, has been constructed with a carriage-way of 30 feet, the Fife County Council have been instructed by the Ministry of Transport to construct a curb reducing the effective carriage-way to 20 feet; that this restriction disfigures the bridge and is regarded by local opinion as representing a short-sighted policy; and whether he will examine the matter afresh with a view to permitting the local authority to make full use of the new bridge?

Mr. Burgin

The representations regarding the width of the carriage-way on this bridge have been carefully considered, but I am advised that, having regard to the width of the approaches, there is no present justification on traffic grounds for providing a greater width of carriageway than 20 feet. The bridge has, however, been so constructed as to enable the carriage-way to be increased to 30 feet whenever this dimension becomes necessary.

Mr. Stewart

Is the Minister aware that it is now 30 feet wide, and that his instructions have had the result of forcing the county council to insert a kerb reducing the effective width to 20 feet; and is not that a very reactionary policy at this time of day?

Mr. Burgin

That is a matter of opinion.