HC Deb 21 December 1960 vol 632 c1293
39. Mr. Mackie

asked the Minister of Transport how many concrete lamp-posts have been knocked down in road accidents on the Great Cambridge Road between the North Circular Roundabout and the Bullsmoor Lane traffic signals during the last eighteen months.

Mr. Hay

Twenty-one were knocked down or damaged in that period.

Mr. Mackie

This is a five-mile stretch of road. Does not the hon. Gentleman think that there is something wrong with the siting of the lamp-posts when in that short period this number was knocked down? Does he not think that they should be put well clear of the pavement on the outside and then wired across and the lights hung from the top, in order to avoid any obstructions in the roadway? That should be general policy in new road building.

Mr. Hay

I have no information at the moment as to how these various pieces of damage were caused, but I will certainly look into the point, because this is a trunk road and the Minister has general responsibility for them. In this case, similar to the case raised a little earlier, we would have to consult with the local highway authority to make any changes which were felt to be necessary.