HC Deb 12 July 1967 vol 750 cc812-3
27. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Transport whether the increase of accidents on three-lane roads with offset double white lines was caused by vehicles crossing the lines; and if she will undertake another experiment with offset white rubber bollards which would effectively prevent such crossing.

Mr. John Morris

Since virtually all the increase in accidents arose along the off-set lengths and not at change-over points, it is probable that disregard of the lines was a major cause.

Bollards could not be used. They would reduce the effective width of the traffic lanes and thus increase the risk of accidents.

Mr. Tilney

Surely that depends upon the width of the bollards? Considering that the country is full of three-lane roads which due to curves, humps and the increase in traffic, are only two-thirds used, is it not possible for the Ministry or the Road Research Laboratory to devise some methods of using the remaining third more efficiently?

Mr. Morris

I have great sympathy with the hon. Gentleman. This is one of the reasons why we were looking forward to the results of the experiment and hoping that something would come from it. Unfortunately, whatever suggestion has been made, including that by the hon. Gentleman, any continuation of the experiment would have meant an increase in road accidents. This is the difficulty fiat has faced anyone who has tried to look at this very important problem. The figures of increase were staggering. That was why the very important decision had to be made to call off the experiment.

Mr. Bessell

In view of the confusion in the minds of many motorists about double white lines, may we understand from the hon. Gentleman's answer that a motorist may cross a double white line with impunity?

Mr. Morris

No, on no account. What I was referring to was the specific experiments that have taken place where there have been these offset double white lines of three-lane roads. In many parts of the country the double white line is an important facet of motoring, and it has very great uses on long continuous hills where no danger has been caused.