§ 10. Mr. Nigel Fisherasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of local representations, he will reconsider his refusal to confirm the Hertfordshire County Council traffic regulation for the institution of one-way traffic in Bear Lane, Ashwell.
§ Mr. BarnesI have reconsidered this case very recently. I do not consider that the traffic conditions justify my confirming the county council's order. The volume of traffic is very small and the order would involve an inconvenient detour, especially for cyclists.
§ Mr. FisherWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is a very narrow lane, with no footpath and with a high wall on both sides, and also that the people of this village, the local parish council and the Hertfordshire County Council all demand a one-way scheme?. In those circumstances, why should a Whitehall official with no knowledge of the local conditions be allowed to overrule all other opinions?
§ Mr. BarnesI do not agree that a Whitehall official determines this matter. We have to take into consideration the claims of all those who use a highway of this description.