HC Deb 12 April 1960 vol 621 cc1075-6
32. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that on the approach roads to the Forth Road Bridge, British Standard No. 340 kerbs are the best now available for visibility; and whether, before final decisions are made, tests will be carried through to ensure that those making for greatest visibility and safety are used.

Mr. Maclay

British Standard No. 340 concerns itself with the size, shape, quality, strength and colour of precast concrete kerbs, channel edgings and quadrants, and any type of kerb must comply with it.

As regards tests, I would refer to the reply given to the right hon. Gentleman by my hon. Friend, the Joint Undersecretary of State for Scotland on 5th April.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that reply was most unsatisfactory? Is he aware that this bridge may be a very great hazard to people driving across it in fog? Is there any sensible reason why we should not have the greatest visibility possible? Is he prepared to look into the manufacture of kerbs personally to see that the best kerbs are provided, that there is the best visibility, and the greatest range of visibility, on this bridge and its approaches?

Mr. Maclay

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman about the importance of visibility on this bridge. I emphasise that it is open to the highway authorities, to whom we must leave something in this matter, to provide kerbs of the type the right hon. Gentleman has in mind provided, if they decide to do so, the kerbs are in accordance with the specifications in other respects. We must leave some responsibility to the highway authorities in this matter.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that we are to endanger life that can be saved merely to save £54 a mile, which I understand is the extra cost of these visibility kerbs? Is he not prepared to appoint some authority to go into this to ensure that the maximum visibility is provided on this bridge?

Mr. Maclay

As I said in reply to the right hon. Gentleman some time ago. my Department is in constant touch with the Road Research Laboratory of the D.S.I.R., and I am sure that the most modern advances will be taken advantage of by the highway authorities.