57. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the dangerous junction at Tabernacle Street and Leonard Street in London, where 22 accidents have happened in five years, and that despite representations no safety measures have been taken; and what steps by way of lights or warning obstacles on the minor road he will take to improve the junction.
§ Mr. SwinglerResponsibility for the junction now lies with the London Boroughs of Islington and Hackney as highway authorities and the Greater London Council as traffic authority. On the Department's advice steps were taken by the former Metropolitan Boroughs of Finsbury and Shoreditch to improve conditions here, resulting in the reduction of accidents from 14 in 1963 to 5 in the last 12 months. We understand that 1409 further steps are now being taken by the highway authorities.
Mr. Gresham CookeIs the hon. Gentleman aware that someone who has an office at this junction has reported every accident that has occurred there during the last five years to the police and to the local authorities and urged that action be taken? Will he use that as a reason to chase up local authorities and the police to act much more quickly at this dangerous junction?
§ Mr. SwinglerThe Borough of Islington has asked the G.L.C. to approve new traffic signs at this junction. We are prepared to discuss the matter with the G.L.C. and to do everything we can to assist.