§ 27. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that miles of upright kerbs are still being erected on roads to the danger of traffic and the waste of public money; and what steps he is taking to stop it.
§ Mr. NugentI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, Central (Sir F. Medlicott) on 27th March.
§ Mr. GrimondI am aware that the Government have frequently condemned this practice, but can the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any engineering advantage in having upright kerbs on roads?
§ Mr. NugentThere are some stretches of road where they are required, such as where there is a steep slope down on the outside. Otherwise, unless there is a pavement, it is far better that there should not be an upright kerb.
§ Mr. StokesHas the Minister consulted any competent, experienced driver who has approved of vertical kerbs? Any experienced driver that I have known thinks that they are a menace and ought to be done away with.
§ Mr. NugentWe are glad to have the advice of the right hon. Gentleman in addition to that which we already have.
§ Mr. StokesThe hon. Gentleman has not answered my question. I do not want the answer of civil servants. I want to know whether the Minister himself has inquired of any competent, experienced driver who has not condemned vertical kerbs as a menace.
§ Mr. NugentAs the House already knows, my right hon. Friend has said that we have asked local authorities not to erect vertical kerbs unless there is a pavement or there are exceptional circumstances.