§ 11. Mr. Berryasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has to install overhead lighting both on existing motorways and on those not yet completed.
Mr. Bob BrownLighting is provided on urban motorways and other lengths or interchanges where there is special need. The present position on motorway lighting is: in operation, 19 miles; due to be installed, 60 miles; at design stage, 21 miles.
§ Mr. BerryWould the hon. Gentleman have a further look at this matter? In an earlier answer the Minister said that he knew the M4 very well. Would he not agree that, because of overhead lighting, that is one of the safest roads? Therefore, will he not look into the whole question since it would cost only £8 or £9 million to light a thousand miles of motorway? Is it not worth spending such a sum at the moment to avoid further tragic loss of life on the motorways?
Mr. BrownI agree that the M4 is probably safer by being fully lighted, but it is equally true to say that the motorways are the safest roads in this country. There are many stretches of all-purpose roads, such as heavily trafficked trunk roads, which also need consideration. On the matter of cost, we are always looking for ways to make all roads safer, but we must be satisfied that lighting would give us the best return in terms of increased safety.