HC Deb 27 April 1960 vol 622 cc205-6
35. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Transport what report he has received from the Lancashire county police on the causes of the traffic jams on the Lancaster and Preston by-passes on Easter Monday; and what action he proposes to take to prevent their recurrence.

Mr. Marples

A letter has been received from the Chief Constable of Lancashire about the congestion which delayed traffic at the terminals of both the Lancaster and the Preston by-passes during Easter. Proposals for improving conditions in future are now being urgently examined.

Mr. Holt

Will the Minister agree that the real problem here is that two motorways are joined by a 14-mile length of trunk road which is quite inadequate? This is really the piecemeal development to which I referred in a Question to the Prime Minister yesterday. Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this piecemeal development of a motorway system is undesirable, and can he take steps to avoid it in future?

Mr. Marples

Any development of a system in this country is bound to be piecemeal in some parts. We simply cannot go smoothly over the whole country. One is bound to have difficulties. The ultimate answer will be roadworks on the Lancaster by-pass, the Preston bypass, the terminals and so on. In the meantime, there are bound to be difficulties whatever anybody may try to do.