HC Deb 23 October 1950 vol 478 cc2465-6
10. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the unsightliness of foot bridges over the London by-passes and the fact that these bridges are little used, he will now consider scrapping them.

Mr. Barnes

Until economic circumstances permit satisfactory alternatives such as subways to be considered I prefer to retain them and to improve their appearance by cleaning and painting and their usefulness by providing guard rails and ramps where necessary.

Mr. Williams

In considering how unpopular these bridges are in the district and how very little use they are for safety purposes, will the right hon. Gentleman at least scrap those which are least used by pedestrians in every day life?

Mr. Barnes

I do not agree that they are unpopular. There may be differences of opinion as to their effectiveness but I cannot afford to do away with anything which can assist in the problem of reducing road accidents until I have better alternatives, and a subway is too costly for me to consider it as an immediate alternative.

Mr. Keeling

Has the Minister considered extending an experiment successfully made at Osterley on the Great West Road, at a point which is especially dangerous because oncoming traffic is obscured? Railings have been put along the centre of the road to prevent people crossing at that point.

Mr. Barnes

I agree that that was a very valuable experiment. I have no doubt that if similar conditions prevail at other busy thoroughfares rails will also be introduced. Rails are being more and more extensively used for this purpose.