§ 46. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will recommend to local highway authorities that provision of footbridges should be made wherever possible when footpaths and bridleways are severed by new motorways.
§ Mr. NeaveA public footpath or bridleway can be severed by a new motorway only by an Order under Section 3 of the Special Roads Act, 1949. Where the new motorway is the responsibility of a local highway authority my right hon. Friend can only confirm the Order if he is satisfied that another reasonably convenient route is available or will be provided.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWill the Minister keep this matter in mind? Is he aware that in some counties quite a valuable provision is being made of footbridges or other convenient methods, whereas other counties do not seem to take the same precautions?
§ Mr. NeaveThat would certainly depend on whether an alternative route was easily available, in which case it would be necessary to seek two routes; otherwise there might certainly be cases where footbridges could be provided.