HC Deb 09 December 1968 vol 775 cc25-6
34. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Minister of Transport what changes he proposes to make in his present policy regarding London's trunk roads.

Mr. Bob Brown

We have no proposals for changing the policy towards London's trunk roads as set out in the White Paper, Transport in London. [Cmnd. 3686.]

Mr. Atkins

Is it not true that the present plans for future London roads were based on figures of traffic growth which are now known to be greatly exaggerated? Would they not, therefore, require revision in future plans?

Mr. Brown

I do not think that my hon. Friend's premise is quite correct. It is fair to say that trunk roads in London were generally drawn on the boundary of the old L.C.C. and, of course, now we have a number of roads which are under discussion with the new G.L.C.

Mr. Molloy

Is my hon. Friend prepared to give high priority to safety on London's trunk roads, for example, where Western Avenue passes through Northolt and Greenford? Because of the considerably increased volume of traffic, the problems of crossing such a road, especially for school children from a housing estate to schools, are now becoming very serious?

Mr. Brown

I am sure that my right hon. Friend has the interests of road safety at heart in every road scheme. I do not see any reason why London should have any priority in his thoughts.