§ 21. Mr. Danceasked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to provide an anti-dazzle barrier or in any way alter the central reservation of that section of the M.1 at present undergoing repairs.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Ernest Marples)The surface of the central reserve is being reshaped to improve drainage. Additional lengths of drain are also being laid.
I am not proposing at present to extend the experimental anti-dazzle screen in the absence of conclusive 1200 evidence that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. It is, however, my intention to install two experimental lengths of anti-crash barrier.
§ Mr. DanceDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that so many users of these motorways are of the impression that this anti-dazzle barrier is of great benefit, not only from the anti-dazzle point of view but also as a wind break? Often on wide roads there are gusts of wind which can be extremely dangerous. I know from my own experience that such a screen not only acts as an anti-dazzle screen, but also as a wind breaker. Will he reconsider this question?
§ Mr. MarplesAlmost every person who uses a motorway has different ideas about what should be done. It is not established that in the present traffic conditions there is a case for bringing an anti-dazzle screen into general use. Pending further experience, I am not prepared to do it, but if further experience shows that it is desirable, I will certainly do it.
Mr. Gresham CookeWhy is there all this coyness about anti-dazzle barriers? Is my right hon. Friend aware that for twenty-five years there has been an anti-dazzle screen—bushes and shrubs —on the central reservation of the Winohester By-pass? This is very much approved by all the drivers who use that dual carriageway.
§ Mr. MarplesIt is a marvellous thing that every single driver speaks for all other drivers. In my experience, drivers vary enormously in what they think ought to be done.
§ Mr. PagetNorthampton is on this road. I have a great deal of experience of driving down this road at night. I have yet to meet a single motorist who does not experience an enormous relief when he comes to the part by Luton where there is a screen barrier. I should like to meet the motorist we are always being told about who does not like this barrier.
§ Mr. SpeakerI think that would better appear in order if prefaced with some words like "Is the Minister aware?"
§ Mr. MarplesFirst, Northampton is not on the M.1. It is near the M.1, but 1201 not on it. Secondly, if the hon. and learned Gentleman would care to go down to the Road Research Laboratory, where I frequently go, he could look at the scientific experiments being made and form his own conclusions.