HC Deb 11 April 1962 vol 657 cc1298-300
14. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the accidents that have taken place at the Cellarhead crossroads on the main Stone to Leek road, Staffordshire; and whether he will now order traffic lights to be placed there.

Mr. Marples

Since 1st January, 1960, there have been two accidents involving personal injury at this cross roads. The most recent would not have been prevented by traffic signals and I am not satisfied that signals would be appropriate in the conditions obtaining there.

Mr. Davies

Is the Minister aware that during three Parliaments we have had that kind of Answer from Ministers of Transport? Is he aware that those who use this road —I use it scores of times in a year —know that the bonnet of a car is beyond the "Halt" sign before one can see the approach road? Is the Minister prepared to publish the report of the divisional road engineer on the matter? Is he aware that local opinion considers that traffic lights are essential, and would he please look at the matter again and do something —because damn-all has been done up to now?

Mr. Marples

The hon. Gentleman does not realise the controversial value of under-statement. The record of accidents for approximately two-and-a-quarter years is less than half the accident rate for signal-controlled junctions. One of these accidents in which a truck was involved was due to the failure of its brakes and therefore, even had there been signals, whether the lights were at red, amber or green the vehicle would still have gone on.

Mrs. Slater

Does the Minister know that these were two very serious accidents and that numerous accidents take place at this corner which is a very bad corner on a very much used road? Will he look into this and not just take the word of the divisional road engineer, who gives very bad advice about some crossroads?

Mr. Marples

I cannot accept that. A great number of accidents take place at crossroads, but the average in this case is less than half the national average at controlled junctions.

Mr. Davies

Is the Minister aware that many accidents which happen there are not reported because, fortunately, they are not of major seriousness, but accidents do happen without the Minister and his officials hearing of them? This is really serious.

Mr. Marples

I presume that that happens elsewhere as well.