HC Deb 03 July 1963 vol 680 cc372-3
41. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many accidents have taken place at the roundabout where the Troon-Ayr by-pass crosses the Ayr-Kilmarnock road in each of the last three years.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Gilmour Leburn)

Since the Ayr and Prestwick by-pass was opened in March, 1961, there have been 12 accidents on the roundabout where it crosses the Ayr-Kilmarnock road.

Mr. Ross

I do not know whether this includes the one I happened to see last weekend, which prompted this Question. Has anything been done about all this? It is obviously a danger spot. What must be the costliest lamp standard in Scotland is placed there. It seems to be replaced about once every two or three weeks. Is the hon. Gentleman doing anything about this?

Mr. Leburn

I agree that it is worrying. There have been eight accidents, involving 14 personal injuries, since the roundabout was opened. I have looked at this situation carefully and I note that there are"reduce speed now" signs on three of the roads. I do not see what else we can do to help.

Mr. Ross

But these signs have been there since the by-pass was opened and the roundabout was built, so it is obvious that they are not effective. Surely the construction of the by-pass should be looked at. Will the hon. Gentleman look at the new one on the Ayr-Cumnock road, which will be just as much a danger spot?

Mr. Leburn

I will be happy to look at both of them to see what can be done.

Sir T. Moore

Is my hon. Friend aware that I share the apprehensions of the hon. Member for Kilmarnock, since I use this by-pass practically every time I go into Ayr? It is a very significant danger spot. I realise that nothing can be done in the way of altering the roundabout or diverting the road now, but far more signs should be erected to warn people that this is a very dangerous place for cars.

Mr. Leburn

I will be delighted to take into account what my hon. Friend says in support of the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross). I am very thankful that my hon. Friend has not been involved in any of these accidents.

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