HC Deb 26 March 1958 vol 585 cc405-6
19. Mr. W. Edwards

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents which have occurred in Cable Street, London, E.1, and The Highway, London, E.1, during the years 1955, 1956 and 1957, respectively.

Mr. Nugent

As the reply consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Edwards

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the proposal of the Minister to have one-way traffic on these two streets is viewed with great apprehension by the residents in the area? They are certain, just as the Stepney Borough Council is certain, that if one-way traffic is introduced in these two streets there will be faster traffic, but more fatal accidents. Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to review this question of one-way traffic again before he finally gives his consent?

Mr. Nugent

I know that there has been a lengthy discussion on this matter, but the police are convinced that a one-way system in these two streets will be for the general benefit. I went to inspect them myself, and I am bound to say that I was convinced that it was right to make the experiment. If the experiment turns out to be a failure it will cease, but in the meantime in that street, which is very narrow, I am certain that there will be advantage in having one-way movement, particularly having regard to the heavy vehicles there and the narrow pavement, where so often there are accidents due to the fact that there is a standing vehicle and when another is passing it pedestrians on the pavement are injured by the overhang of the lorry. I am certain that the experiment is well worth while carrying out.

Mr. Edwards

On a point of order. In view of the importance of this problem to my constituents in the area, especially the old people and the children, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the subject on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

Following is the table:

Year Accidents involving personal injury
Cable Street, London, E.1 The Highway, London, E.1
Fatal Non-fatal Total Fatal Non-fatal Total
1955 — 38 38 — 12 12
1956 2 42 44 — 10 10
1957 — 30 30 1 8 9