HC Deb 18 July 1956 vol 556 cc1196-7
13. Mr. Finlay

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of the increasing accident rate on the A11 trunk road in the Potter Street area, Harlow New Town, he will accelerate the completion date for the Potter Street diversion scheme announced in February, 1955.

Mr. Molson

We have no evidence that the accident rate in the Potter Street area is increasing, but I can assure my hon. Friend that everything possible is being done to expedite the start of this important scheme.

Mr. Finlay

Is my hon. Friend aware that his Department itself supplied me with these statistics, showing a sharp increase in accidents of a personal nature, and will he look into the matter again?

Mr. Molson

I looked into it before I came into the House. On the length of road to be by-passed by the Potter Street diversion, the number of accidents in 1953 was 13, in 1954, 17, and in 1955 only five, which does not indicate that there has been an increase in the number of accidents.

33. Mr. Finlay

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why it will not be possible to obtain the land required for the purposes of the A11 trunk road diversion at Potter Street until the summer of 1957 having regard to the fact that practically all the said land is vested in one public owner, that is to say the Harlow Development Corporation who are ready and willing to facilitate this scheme.

Mr. Molson

Although the order establishing the line of the road for the Potter Street diversion was made last year and the scheme has been authorised this year, the necessary statutory procedure will take some months. The draft order dealing with side roads was published on 6th July, 1956, but the period for objections does not expire until 6th October next. If there are no serious objections, the Order will be made in November. As some common land is required, there will have to be a compulsory purchase order which cannot be published in draft form until the side roads order has been made. If there are no serious objections, we hope that the compulsory purchase order will be made early next year.

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