HC Deb 11 April 1962 vol 657 cc1301-3
28. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Transport what further evidence he has received from the Road Research Laboratory in regard to the value of the anti-dazzle screen on the M.1 motorway; and when he expects to reach a conclusion about the desirability of erecting the screen for the full length of the M.1 and on other motorways.

Mr. Marples

The Road Research Laboratory is continuing its studies. I should want conclusive evidence that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages before continuing the screen as suggested or installing screens on other motorways.

Mr. Johnson

May I ask my right hon. Friend if it is not the case that the screen has now been erected for over two years, and if it be true that the mills of God grind slowly, is (he aware that they would give the Road Research Laboratory 21 lb. and a beating on this matter?

Mr. Marples

I would remind my hon. Friend that the Road Research Laboratory comes under my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Science.

Mr. Edelman

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on this otherwise excellent road there is inadequate accident control and that many of the accidents which have taken place especially in bad weather where screens of this kind might have been useful have been further aggravated, particularly during mist and fog, because of the absence of prior warnings?

Mr. Marples

I am not aware of that. Personally I should have thought that any driver who drives in fog or in wet weather would go slower and that it does not need a warning to tell him to do so.

Mr. Hocking

Will the right hon. Gentleman give consideration to putting this anti-dazzle screen at a distance of at least 100 yards on either side of the bridges on the M.1? This is a most dangerous part of the road because oncoming headlights cause a shadow to be cast on the road on either side of the bridge. Therefore, it is very dangerous. Would he give consideration to a screen being provided there?

Mr. Marples

I will consider that—it is a good point. This particular experimental section of the road was on a curve and on a hill where there is a dip as well.

Mr. Jennings

Will the Minister give consideration to the planting now of effective shrubbery as a cushion against such accidents?

Mr. Marples

We started to give consideration to that about six months ago, and I hope shortly to be able to make an announcement.

29. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Transport how many cases have occurred of motor vehicles hitting the anti-dazzle screen on the M.1 motorway; in how many of these cases the vehicle has been effectively stopped between the two carriageways, gone through the screen on the opposite carriageway, or rebounded on to the carriageway along which it had been travelling; and how often a vehicle hitting the screen has collided with another vehicle as a consequence.

Mr. Marples

Up to 20th March, 1962, there were reports of twenty cases. Nine stopped between the carriageways; eight went through the screen on to the opposite carriageway; three rebounded onto their own carriageway. There were two collisions with other vehicles, one of which involved a vehicle travelling on the opposite carriageway.