HC Deb 12 November 1958 vol 595 cc363-4
20. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in view of the two fatal accidents in the past four months to pedestrians crossing the Bath Road at Woolhampton, he will take immediate steps, in consultation with the Berkshire County Council and the Chief Constable of Berkshire, to have clear signs erected to warn motorists to slow down on entering the village and provide crossings with islands where pedestrians can find refuge until the road is clear for them to cross in safety.

Mr. Nugent

In agreement with the county and police authorities of Berkshire instructions have been given for large "Slow" signs to be painted on the Bath Road at both ends of Woolhampton and for enlarged "village" signs to be provided.

I have also asked our Divisional Road Engineer to consult with the County Surveyor as a matter of urgency on the possibility of overcoming the difficulties of installing a central island on the carriageway.

Mr. Hurd

Does my hon. Friend realise that the improvement works carried out by his Department have greatly speeded up motor traffic on the Bath Road, and have made some villages into real death-traps? Is he aware that an old lady was killed last week at Woolhampton? Will he see that village people are able to cross their own village streets in safety?

Mr. Nugent

We will certainly do everything possible to improve safety there.