§ 34. Mr. J. Howardasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has to cope with the increasing volume of road traffic to and from Southampton docks.
§ Mr. MarplesDuring the next few years we intend to carry out two important trunk road improvements—the Chandlers Ford and Otterbourne Bypass at a cost of £1,850,000, and the Totton Flyover, including the widening of the Redbridge causeway and bridge, at a cost of £500,000.
In addition, four important classified road improvement schemes in the Southampton County Borough area which will ease the flow of traffic to the docks have been included in the road programme to 1964–65 and the total cost is £1,259,000. I am circulating details of these in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. HowardI am obliged to my right hon. Friend for that reply, but may I ask whether he is satisfied that these schemes will meet the ever-increasing volume of traffic, with 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles collecting passengers in the docks a week or so ago? Is he satisfied that these schemes are keeping pace with the increase of traffic there?
§ Mr. MarplesI am quite certain that they will go a great way towards meeting the needs of most of the ordinary traffic in the area; and that Southampton has its fair share, just as Devon, Cornwall and other places have their fair share.
§ Following are the details:
| Scheme | Estimated cost including land | Grant |
| £ | £ | |
| 1. Six Dials Roundabout, including the first section of a new approach road to the docks. Work on this has just started | 377,000 | 282,786 |
| 2. Bitterne Road, A.3024, including a gyratory system at the junction | 82,000 | 61,500 |
| 3. Redbridge Road, A.35, widening of road and rail-bridge bridge | 600,000 | 450,000 |
| 4. Dorset Street Link | 200,000 | 150,000 |