§ 12. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he pro poses to designate any stretches of main roads in Scotland as clearways.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is now consulting the local authorities concerned about the possibility of making part of the Edinburgh-Glasgow trunk road a clearway.
§ Mr. StodartIs my hon. Friend aware that that reply will win widespread approval from many motorists in Scotland? Is he also aware that, when clearways were first introduced in England and Wales, the accident rate was reduced by 9 per cent.? Will he, therefore, push on with the creation of clearways on other roads in Scotland?
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteThe local authorities have power to impose restrictions of the clearway type on classified roads. We are considering the possibility of having clearways on other trunk roads in Scotland. However, my hon. Friend must realise that where there is much development beside a road this means of keeping traffic moving is not suitable.