HC Deb 07 May 1958 vol 587 cc1214-5
49 and 50. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) how many road accidents have occurred at the junction of Berkeley Avenue with Bath Road, Cranford, since the application of the 40 miles-per-hour speed limit; and what is the number of deaths involved;

(2) in view of the recent fatal accidents at the Berkeley Avenue pedestrian crossing, Bath Road, Cranford, if he will take steps to install traffic signals, or take other measures for the safety of local residents.

Mr. Nugent

Three accidents, in which two persons were killed, have occurred at this junction since a 40 m.p.h. speed limit was imposed. A pedestrian subway is the right answer at this junction and we intend to build one when dual carriageways are constructed on this part of the Bath road. Work should start before the end of this year.

Mr. Hunter

While thanking the Minister for the long-term policy, may ask him to endeavour to help the local residents now, by giving full consideration to their proposals for traffic signals at the junction of Berkeley Avenue with the Bath Road, Cranford?

Mr. Nugent

We have considered carefully the possibility of putting traffic signals there. I am satisfied that they would not, on balance, help road safety there. The information I have given to the House this afternoon is not a long-term proposal. This work will be started before the end of the year; and that really is the answer to safe crossing.

Mr. Hunter

While agreeing that the subway is the long-term policy, I would point out that these two deaths have caused great alarm and concern at Cranford. Is the Minister aware that there is a big agitation for the provision of traffic lights? If the Minister would consider the proposal, I should be grateful.

Mr. Nugent

I will certainly look at the proposal again, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that we have already considered it very carefully.