§ 28. Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that on the A38 road between Bristol and Gloucestershire an average of 15 lives are lost, each year; what further consideration she has given to the use of offset double white lines on this road; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarmichaelWe share the concern about the number of accidents on this road but the safety measures which have been taken are steadily reducing them, despite the increase in traffic. Other improvements which are under way or planned should further reduce accidents.
The experiment with alternating off-set double white lines showed that these lines do not improve safety; unfortunately, they are not the answer.
§ Mr. KershawIs the Minister aware that that last remark is really not accepted by anybody outside the Ministry of Transport and by not many inside, either? Is he aware that this stretch of road is one of the most dangerous in England? What is the reason for this bureaucratic opposition to this change which has shown such good results in other parts of the country?
§ Mr. CarmichaelOn the first part of the question, the double white lines, figures from all over the country and from Scotland completely contradict the hon. Member.