§ 21. Mr. Loganasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the danger to life to children and old people on the Scotland Road, Liverpool; and if he will now make provision for two subways between Caznean Street and Rotunda.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am aware of traffic conditions on this road. The initiative for the provision of subways lies with the local highway authority, but my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has already explained to the hon. Member other methods of dealing with this problem.
§ Mr. LoganIs the Minister aware that 4,000 children, apart from the adult population, cross that road every week? Is he aware that it is a congested road, that we are very much afraid for child life and want to see something done?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI share the hon. Member's anxiety about this road, and I agree that there is very heavy pedestrian traffic upon it. The point at issue, however, is whether the best thing to do is to provide tunnels, which, as the hon. Member knows, are not fully used, or whether in the near future the alternative which has been explained to him would not be really more effective.
§ Mr. PageIs my right hon. Friend aware that this anxiety is shared by those who live in neighbouring constituencies Who use this road in getting in and out of Liverpool? Will he consider, instead of tunnels, the installation of press-button traffic signals?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThat has been considered, but I am rather doubtful whether that is the answer in this case.