§ 54. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received from local authorities about their inability to install and operate road heating in bridges and flyovers owing to cost; and what action he proposes to take, in view of the need to promote road safety.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Vice-Admiral John Hughes Hallett)The Hammersmith Metropolitan Borough Council has objected to paying the operating costs of the road heating installation on the Hammersmith Flyover without assistance from my right hon. Friend. He has not felt able to give any such assistance because these costs are regarded as maintenance and he has no power to pay grant towards the maintenance of classified roads in metropolitan and county boroughs. Obviously, however, it would be absurd not to use the heating installation on the flyover next winter if that should be necessary and he is seeking a solution of the problem.
§ Sir B. JannerWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that in the in- 378 terests of safety every measure which has proved successful should be pursued? Is he not aware that this method of heating has proved extremely successful on bridges and flyovers and that it is only cost which prevents its continued use? Will he consider making this a national matter to protect lives and remove dangers as speedily as possible? Surely cost ought not to stand in the way of that.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettWe appreciate all these things and, as I indicated, we are reviewing the whole system of paying grants to local highway authorities, but it is too early to say how the results of this review will affect this problem.