§ 30. Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Transport how many fatal and other accidents have occurred on the average each month on A.38 between Gloucester and Bristol; and what further action he will take to reduce this number.
§ Mr. HayFor the first 10 months of this year there were, on average, 38 accidents reported to the police each month; of these 18 involved personal injury, 20 damage only. The personal injury accidents included a total of nine fatal accidents, an average of nearly one every month.
As my right hon. Friend said on 7th November, we intend to complete the improvement of this road to provide three lanes throughout. The evidence from the sections already improved suggests that this will enhance the safety of the road.
§ Mr. KershawDoes my hon. Friend know that it will be a great surprise to many people to know that three-lane highways are safer than two-lane highways, in view of the disastrous accident that took place last month on the stretch of road to which I refer? Will he ensure that if these three-lane highways are constructed the fullest use is made of white lines, in an overtaking system such as is used on the Continent?
§ Mr. HayIf my hon. Friend disputes what I have said, he may like to know that in 1960–61 there were 30 per cent. fewer accidents on the three-lame sections than on the two-lane sections. As for white lines, we have to be a little careful because, so often, the placing of white lines depends on the actual alignment of the road. Wherever white-line treatment is appropriate, it is used.