HC Deb 23 December 1964 vol 704 cc1229-30
19. Mr. Gurden

asked the Minister of Transport when the screens will be re-erected on the M.1 motorway to prevent accidents caused by sudden blinding from headlights.

Mr. Swingler

These temporary hessian screens were designed to simulate hedges and shrubs in order to provide information about the optimum height and spacing for central reserve planting to reduce the effect of dazzle. We now have this information and we do not intend to re-erect the screens. The next part of the experiment, about to start on M.2, is to plant various shrubs to see how they stand up to motorway conditions. On M.1 we still have the experiment with metal mesh screen as an anti-dazzle device.

Mr. Gurden

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this is the first time that there has been a retrograde step in the construction of things on the motorway, and that now a crash barrier is all the more necessary since there are likely to be more crashes on the M.1 as a result of the removal of the screens, which ought to be made permanent?

Mr. Swingler

No, Sir; we do not regard this as a retrograde step. All these measures have been regarded in the past, and are still regarded, as experimental. As I have said, a number of experiments have been proceeding from which conclusions have been drawn, but without more information we cannot arrive at final conclusions about what we should do in the future.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is there not a great deal of public anxiety that these things in connection with the M.1 move so slowly? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the matter of headlights has been discussed for years? Also, what thought has been given to the prevention of accidents by reason of sudden fog on the M.1?

Mr. Swingler

That is another question. I regret that these things are moving slowly. These experiments are very difficult. There is a conflict of view and evidence about the best measures to take to persuade motorists themselves to reduce dazzle as well as about the best possible form of central reservation. However, we shall continue with a number of experiments, and I hope that we shall be able to speed up the process of arriving at conclusions.

Mr. Doig

Would my hon. Friend agree that the first retrograde step on motorways was when one of his predecessors refused the extra 1 per cent. capital cost to illuminate them, and that if that had been done there would have been no question of any anti-dazzle device being necessary?

Mr. Swingler

My hon. Friend's supplementary question goes a good deal wider than the original Question and requires some research. I will do the necessary research, and if he will table a further question, I will answer it.