HC Deb 09 December 1969 vol 793 cc218-9
14. Mr. Wiggin

asked the Minister of Transport (1) how many prosecutions have taken place, and how many are pending, for traffic offences at the junction of the A38 with the A370 at East Brent between 6th November, 1968, and 6th November, 1969;

(2) how many accidents have occurred at the junction of the A38 with the A370 at East Brent between 6th November, 1968, and 6th November, 1969.

Mr. Bob Brown

In the period concerned there were 14 accidents at this junction which resulted in death or personal injury. 115 prosecutions for traffic offences have taken place and 139 were outstanding on 6th November, 1969.

Mr. Wiggin

Surely these disastrous figures speak for themselves? Can the hon. Gentleman say what action he proposes to take, why he has not taken it earlier, and whether he will in future listen to the views of the local people who have long said that this junction is a lethal one?

Mr. Brown

It is not true that I have taken no action. A "stop" sign was erected in July. Since the installation of street lighting in March there have been no after-dark accidents. The existence of the "stop" sign accounts for the large number of prosecutions that are pending. It is intended to provide a roundabout in time for next year's summer holiday traffic. We are therefore far from doing nothing.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Has my hon. Friend's attention been drawn to a report by a police officer that many of these accidents are caused by people unknowingly taking drugs which they think have no effect on their driving, such as aspros, aspirins, and so on? Will my hon. Friend look into this aspect of danger on the roads due to people unknowingly taking drugs?

Mr. Brown

With due respect to my hon. Friend, I think that the nearest that I could get to Weston-super-Mare on aspirins and aspros would be Slough. I ask him to put down a Question on the subject he has raised.