36. Mr. B. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport if he will reconsider his decision respecting the widening and improvement of Westfield Lane, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire; and if he will give his approval to the highway authority for an earlier commencing date.
§ Mr. HayThis road is used mostly by local as distinct from through traffic. We cannot therefore give its improvement high priority, and I am afraid it will be some years before we can consider making a grant towards the cost.
Mr. TaylorIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this lane has become very dangerous as a result of the development that is taking place? Is he aware that the highway authority is so impressed with this that it is not only ready but very anxious to carry out this improvement which I understand will cost only £30,000?
§ Mr. HayI will take account of what the hon. Member says. My information 1391 is that the traffic on this road is almost entirely that which serves the residential area. As far as I know, the highway authority has made no formal application to us for a grant, nor have we invited one. If the authority makes an application we will look into it.
Mr. TaylorIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is now a bus route and that two buses cannot pass on the road because it is so narrow? Is he aware that one fatality has already occurred on this stretch of road and that there is some apprehension among the inhabitants of the district that if something is not done to widen it and proper protection provided there may be a repetition of fatalities?