§ 57. Mr. William Priceasked the Minister of Transport whether she will impose a 50 miles per hour speed limit on the A45 between Thurlaston roundabout and the Coventry boundary.
§ Mr. John MorrisNo, Sir. A 50 miles per hour speed limit would not be appropriate here, but my right hon. Friend intends to impose a 60 m.p.h. limit and review this after a year's trial.
§ Mr. William PriceIs my hon. Friend aware that that will give at least some satisfaction? Does he appreciate that over 1,000 people have been killed or injured on this short section of road in three years? Will he give further consideration, not to a 60 miles an hour limit, but a 50 miles an hour limit which everyone, including the chief constable and county surveyor, wants?
§ Mr. MorrisI appreciate very much the concern of my hon. Friend. I suggest that this speed limit which we shall impose should do a great deal to reduce the number of accidents. Let us see how it works over a year's trial.
§ Mr. RowlandWhile in favour of closing many intersections, in the light of his announcement about the 60 miles per hour limit, will my hon. Friend reconsider closing intersections on the scale proposed which is causing inconvenience and capital cost as a result to rebuilding on the A45 road between Coventry and Birmingham?
§ Mr. MorrisAs I am sure my hon. Friend knows, this is a very difficult piece of road with a very bad record of accidents. My right hon. Friend will be putting forward proposals and there will be a full opportunity for anyone to make representations about any particular closure.