§ 3. Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of installing double white lines, and an island refuge. respectively, at Cambridge Road junction on the A38
The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Bob Brown)Extending the double white lines and including "hatched markings", which are the possibilities being considered at present, would cost about £200. An island refuge is not possible in the present road width, and widening would mean buying expensive property.
§ Mr. KershawDoes the hon. Gentleman propose to give us the white lines or does he not? Is he aware of the mulish obstinacy of his Department to do anything about this extremely dangerous junction, which has cost a number of lives in the last months?
Mr. BrownI have already told the hon. Gentleman that we are considering this solution. The solution which I believe he is pressing for is the provision of a central refuge. This would be an extremely costly scheme, which could not be justified in view of the proposal for the M5 to by-pass the A38 in 1971.
§ Mr. WilkinsThis is one of the most dangerous roads in the country. It passes the comprehension of those who use it why the Ministry has not agreed to double white lines on the road, if only to indicate to motorists the opportunities for overtaking. Far greater consideration should be given to this dangerous road than has so far been given to it by the Ministry.
Mr. BrownThe Question is not about the A38 in general but about the A38 where it passes through Cambridge. If my hon. Friend has any specific points on the A38 and will write to me, I will certainly look at them.