HC Deb 15 May 1957 vol 570 cc396-7
47. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action he proposes to take to minimise as soon as possible the dangers on the main road between Trentham and Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent; and if he will make an order to establish a maximum speed of 15 m.p.h. between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. within the limits of the road where the greatest number of accidents have happened.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. G. R. H. Nugent)

A speed limit of 15 m.p.h. on this busy trunk road would be impracticable and unenforceable. Our plans to widen more than a mile and a half of the road are, however, well advanced.

Mr. Ellis Smith

In the meantime, people are risking their lives and children have daily to cross these roads. Is the Minister aware that several housing estates have been built on one side of the road, which means that children, in order to go to school, have now to cross this main road? In view of all these facts, will the hon. Gentleman reconsider his reply, with a view to taking action to minimise the danger until the new road is constructed?

Mr. Nugent

I accept that this road is a dangerous stretch of road; that is the reason why we are making these improvements which will reduce the element of danger there. But, in the meantime, I must tell the hon. Gentleman that a 15 m.p.h. speed limit is unlikely to be observed or to improve the road safety conditions.

Mr. Ellis Smith

If I accept that reply, what constructive proposals has the Minister to make, if he is not prepared to accept mine, in order to minimise the dangers'?

Mr. Nugent

The constructive proposals are that we arc widening one stretch of the road this year, and, as regards the other stretch of the road, the land has been acquired and the work is likely to be going on in the course of the next eighteen months or so.

Mrs. Slater

But what does the Minister propose to do in the meantime—that is the whole point—while the road is being constructed? How long a time does he think will elapse before the road is finished?

Mr. Nugent

One section of the road will be in course of construction this year, and the benefit of that will, therefore, accrue during the course of the next twelve months or so. I am afraid that there is nothing further we can do in the meantime on this stretch of road. We have already done all that we can.

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