HC Deb 01 February 1939 vol 343 cc190-1
21. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give the result of the national traffic census taken for seven days, starting 15th August last, on the main London to Southampton road via the Great West Road, Staines, Camberley, Basingstoke, and Winchester; and how the result compares with the previous census taken?

Mr. Burgin

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

In view of the great increase in the amount of traffic between London and Southampton, will the Minister do his best to expedite the reconstruction of that road?

Mr. Burgin

I am aware of the importance of the road, and the figures which will be published will show a very striking increase of traffic. I agree that it is a very relevant consideration in the priority of road repairs.

Mr. Ede

In what order of priority does the right hon. Gentleman place the new bridge to carry the new road over the Thames to replace Staines Bridge?

Mr. Burgin

I should like to see that question on the Paper, because it is a matter which requires a rather careful answer.

Following is the answer:

On the main London to Southampton Road via the Great West Road, Staines, Camberley, Basingstoke and Winchester a census was taken in August, 1938, at the following 17 points, at which comparable figures of day traffic are available for the previous census in August, 1935:

Three points on Road A4 between Chiswick High Road and the junction with Road A30 at Hounslow Heath.

Ten points on Road A30 between the junction with Road A4 at Hounslow Heath and the junction with Road A33 south-west of Basingstoke.

Four points on Road A33 between the junction with Road A30 south-west of Basingstoke and Southampton.

Average daily number.
— Vehicles (other than pedal Cycles). Pedal Cycles.
1938. 1935. Increase. 1938. 1935. Increase+ or Decrease-
No. Per cent. No. Per cent.
On Road A4
Total for 3 points 58,459 56,301 2,158 3.8 17,335 17,646 -311 -1.8
On Road A30
Total for 10 points 88,704 77,519 11,185 14.4 14,443 17,253 -2,810 -16.3
On Road A33
Total for 4 points 21,518 16,127 5,391 33.4 3,386 3.276 +110 +3.4
Total for 17 points 168,681 14,947 18,734 12.5 35,164 38,175 -3,011 -7.9

Comparable figures for night traffic between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. are available for four points on the sections of road in question and the average figures for these points show an increase of 12.2 per cent. in vehicles other than pedal cycles (from 6,191 vehicles to 6,945 vehicles) and a decrease of 9.2 per cent. in pedal cycles (from 1,146 to 1,040).