§ 6. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in view of the growth of population, the increase of industrial road traffic and of car ownership in the areas of Barry, Rhoose, Wenvoe and Llantwit-Major, and the number of road accidents in recent years along the main Cardiff to Barry road via Wenvoe, he will take steps to change the status of that road to an A road; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ifor DaviesThe function of this road has not altered in such a way as to justify giving it the status of a trunk road.
§ Mr. GowerBut is not the hon. Gentleman aware that this road has a very serious accident record and that, apart from numerous accidents resulting in injury, there have been a large number of fatal accidents in recent years? Is he further aware that the kind of alterations which are necessary can be ensured only by upgrading the road?
§ Mr. DaviesWe fully appreciate the importance of this road, but traffic volumes play only a part in determining the status of the road. The bulk of the through-traffic travels along the A48 and duplicating the trunk road facilities could not be justified.