§ 47. Mr. Oliverasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that no telephone or other form of communication is provided on the Doncaster by-pass to help motorists when breakdowns occur to obtain assistance, particularly at night; and if he will take steps to remedy this omission.
§ Mr. MarplesTelephones will be provided on the by-pass when it is linked to the extension of M.1. On short lengths of motorway, as on many lengths of trunk road in open country, drivers must rely for assistance in emergencies on passing drivers, police and other patrols and any nearby telephones.
§ Mr. OliverCan the Minister say how long it will be before this road is connected with the M.1? Will he remember that it is almost impossible at night to contact police cars and other people using the road, particularly if an accident occurs late at night? If he intends to 1454 install telephones or another form of communication on this road, will he get a move on quickly?
§ Mr. MarplesThe principle we follow is that the provision of emergency telephones can be justified only on major motorways—that is, motorways of not less than 25 miles long. The Doncaster bypass is so far only 15 miles long and until it is linked with the other motorway it will not have telephones.