HC Deb 16 May 1956 vol 552 cc1983-4
33 and 35. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) if he has yet considered letters and reports from the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South, dated 7th, 14th, and 27th April, dealing with the Trent Vale red danger area; on what date his representative saw the road; and when a reply is to be sent;

(2) why the speed limit and other constructive proposals for the control of traffic within the Trent Vale red area, made by the city of Stoke-on-Trent, have not been approved; why the undertaking has not been implemented which was given in his letter to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South, dated 19th September, 1955; and when it is expected that the proposed Trent Vale by-pass road will be started.

Mr. Watkinson

The hon. Member will now have received replies to each of his letters, giving the reasons why I cannot support the 15 m. p. h. speed limit and other proposals for the control of traffic on this trunk road. My representative inspected the road with the town clerk, the city engineer and the chief constable on 1st May, and I will consider carefully further suggestions for improving safety on this road which I expect to receive shortly.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Whilst appreciating the co-operation between the Ministry and the city council, may I ask the Minister whether he will give instructions that it shall continue until the maximum satisfaction has been derived?

Mr. Watkinson

I know that this is a very dangerous piece of road. I think I shall get these recommendations quickly, and I certainly shall not delay in looking at them.

34. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the number of accidents on the main road between Hanford and the end of the red area Trent Vale, through the City of Stoke-on-Trent, for the year before it was made a red area and last year.

Mr. Molson

The main road between Rookery Lane and Flash Lane, Trent Vale was designated a "Red Area" on 1st July, 1952. In the year ended 30th June, 1952, on this stretch of road twelve accidents were reported of which five involved personal injury resulting in three deaths and three slight injuries. Last year, twenty-nine accidents were reported, of which eight involved personal injury resulting in one death and two serious and five slight injuries.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Between now and the time when the Minister's policy has been applied 100 per cent., will the Parliamentary Secretary ask his representatives in the area to see that there is the maximum co-operation between all interests, in order to minimise the dangers on this road?

Mr. Molson

We shall try to co-operate as much as possible. Unfortunately, we are of the opinion that this red area scheme ought to be brought to an end. This was the recommendation of the Stoke-on-Trent Accident Prevention Council, and it was supported by the local highways committee; but unfortunately these recommendations were not acceptable to the council. I hope that perhaps on further reflection the council may find that they are so.