Ampthill By-Pass

HC Deb 03 February 1969 vol 777 cc8-9

32. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Transport when he plans to sanction a by-pass at Ampthill on the main Bedford-Dunstable road.

Mr. Bob Brown

This scheme is not yet programmed, and it is not at present possible to say when its preparation will be authorised.

Mr. Hastings

Apart from the economic return on this road, does the hon. Gentleman realise that the nature of the narrow streets in this attractive old town increases congestion, and there have already been accidents? The work is vitally necessary. Will he reconsider the matter and give us a date for the beginning?

Mr. Brown

We appreciate all that the right hon. Gentleman has said, but the high cost, which is estimated at about £1½ million, of having to construct over 6 miles of new road and the low traffic volume involved give this by-pass scheme relatively low priority. I am sorry, but I cannot tell the hon. Gentleman anything else.