HC Deb 11 April 1962 vol 657 cc1297-8
4. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents involving motor cars have occurred between the airport entrance at Lulsgate and Potters Hill on the A.38 during the last convenient period.

Mr. Marples

In 1961 there were six personal injury accidents involving motor cars. In these accidents one person was killed, two seriously injured and six slightly injured.

Mr. Webster

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a particularly dangerous stretch of road for motorists as well as for pedestrians? Is he aware that, going north, there is a dip at the end of a long straight stretch of road, followed by a sharp right-hand bend, and that any notices which may be put up to this effect would be obscured and confusion caused by the many notices along the airport road requesting motorists not to park by the kerb?

Mr. Marples

In view of that supplementary question, I will look at the point raised by my hon. Friend to see whether we can do anything about it.

5. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Transport what safety measures he proposes to take to safeguard children and other pedestrians between Lulsgate Airport and Potters Hill on the A.38 following his discussions with the Somerset County Council.

Mr. Marples

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given on 4th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Somerset, North (Mr. Leather).

Mr. Webster

May I express the gratitude and relief which will be felt by parents who have children attending this school? May I ask my right hon. Friend when it is proposed that this bridge shall be started?

Mr. Marples

One cannot say that because what we have done is to ask the Somerset County Council, as agents of the Ministry, to prepare it as quickly as possible. That the council proposes to do and we shall bear the cost of the footbridge, which we intend to put up, and I do not think we can go faster than that.