HC Deb 27 October 1965 vol 718 cc158-9
44. Mr. Cordle

asked the Minister of Transport when the double carriageway between Ringwood and Tricketts Cross on A.31 will be completed; and whether it is proposed to improve the Bournemouth approach road from Ferndown on A.347.

Mr. Swingler

I expect this stretch of the A.31 to have dual carriageways in about three years' time. The A.347 is a classified road for which the highway authorities concerned plan only small improvements at present. The proposed Ringwood-Bournemouth Spur will provide a new alternative route.

Mr. Cordle

The Parliamentary Secretary is apparently not aware that the A.347 is carrying the brunt, if not most, of the holiday traffic and is dangerous, narrow and winding. In view of the number of accidents in Hampshire, I should have thought that this ought to have primary consideration for improvement.

Mr. Swingler

I appreciate the point about the situation now. The fact is that we have adopted the proposal for the new Ringwood-Bournemouth spur as an alternative route, in order to relieve the A.347. This has already been programmed at a cost of £1,800,000 and is something which will, we hope, relieve the congested situation which we know now exists.

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