HC Deb 20 February 1963 vol 672 cc417-8
4. Mr. Stodart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many miles of trunk roads in Scotland carry three lanes of traffic; and over what distance on these three-lane roads there are double white lines.

Mr. Leburn

There are 65 miles of trunk road in Scotland with full three-lane carriageways. On about a quarter of a mile of this total, where conditions of visibility are such that overtaking should he prohibited in one or both directions, double white lines have been laid. The remainder is lined either for three lanes of traffic or with the centre hazard line necessary at junctions and at places where care should be taken.

Mr. Stodart

With particular reference to the road from Edinburgh to Glasgow, which is regarded as a menace by most motorists and which has three-lane traffic nearly all the way, can my right hon. Friend say whether there are double white lines on that road and if not, will he encourage the painting of them in order to prevent overtaking from either direction on the crown of the road?

Mr. Leburn

I have a good deal of sympathy with the point of view of my hon. Friend. I think that the double white line is a useful expedient especially on hills when there is slow-moving commercial vehicles. This does not apply to the Edinburgh-Glasgow road.

Mr. Manuel

Is not the Under-Secretary aware that there is a large body of opinion in the country which is against three-lane carriageways and considers that many accidents are caused because of the manner in which vehicles overtake each other when travelling on them? Is he aware that motorists do not overtake where they should, no matter how the road is marked, and will he consider expert evidence with a view to reverting to a two-line carriageway?

Mr. Leburn

I should be happy to consider that.