HC Deb 21 November 1962 vol 667 cc1206-7
37 and 38. Sir M. Stoddart-Scott

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will state the number of accidents that have taken place on the Pool Bank portion of the Bradford-Harrogate road during the present year; and how many people have been killed;

(2) what steps have been taken to make Pool Bank on the Bradford-Harrogate Road safer for motorists; and what improvements are to be made in the future.

Mr. Marples

During the first ten months of this year there were six personal injury accidents. In one of these accidents two people were killed.

There is a steep hill at Pool Bank and motorists need to take special care. Warning signs have been erected and there are carriageway markings, including double white lines. I understand that the West Riding County Council, which is the highway authority, is considering long-term improvements, but I have not yet received any proposals from it.

Sir M. Stoddart-Scott

Will my right hon. Friend propose to the council that it should consider a traffic roundabout where this steep hill joins with another A road, the one from Wetherby to Otley, and both of which are equally important? Is he aware that a traffic roundabout might solve the difficulty?

Mr. Marples

I will see that the West Riding County Council, which is responsible for initiating the scheme, receives a copy of the exchanges now being made in the House. What it does then will be up to the council.