HC Deb 06 July 1955 vol 543 cc1105-6
23. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will ask for a return either from the local authorities or from the police of those places where accidents are abnormally high in order that he may see to what extent road improvements in such places should be carried out immediately.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Under existing arrangements, the police are asked to forward information to local highway authorities where accidents appear to have been caused or contributed to by deficiencies in the road. These arrangements, however, are under review and I hope to issue a circular to local highway authorities on the subject soon.

Captain Pilkington

Has the attention of my right hon. Friend been called to the excellent publication, "Roadway to Safety," and does he not think that the improvement of these bad spots is the quickest way of saving lives and preventing accidents?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Certainly, Sir; that is why I am glad to say that we shall be clearing up some hundreds of them this year.

Mr. Snow

Is the Minister aware that even where only moderate investment is involved, the burden of proving a spot dangerous falls on local road safety committee? Is there not a case for speeding up decisions, bearing in mind such classic cases as Mackley Corner near Lichfield, which has been known to the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry for over two years? When the various authorities who have responsibility have got themselves into a Gordian knot, should the Minister not cut it?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I said in my original answer that I am not satisfied with the existing procedure and I am trying to bring it up to date. I have in mind something like the preparation of accident maps, which would show the incidence of accidents on the road more clearly than does the present system.

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