§ 30. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the number of road accidents, including fatal, seriously injured, slightly injured and vehicular collisions since 1969, he will approve a flyover for pedestrians at Carlisle Road, Airdrie, as a safety measure for the public.
§ Mr. YoungerIt is for Airdrie Town Council, in the first instance, to consider whether a pedestrian footbridge would be justified at this site. The town council has not asked my right hon. Friend to approve a footbridge, but any such request would be carefully considered.
§ Mr. DempseyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Airdrie Town Council has already submitted proposals for crossings that have been rejected by his Department? Does he realise that from 1969 to date 36 accidents have occurred here, resulting in two fatalities, two serious injuries, 10 less serious injuries and 22 collisions? As this stretch of the trunk road is built-up on both sides will he bear in mind that the only way to take pedestrians off it is to build a pedestrian flyover? Will he please look at this matter again?
§ Mr. YoungerI well appreciate the hon. Gentleman's concern about this matter and that of his constituents. We have to conform to general criteria over the country as a whole and, as the hon. Gentleman knows, it was found that the vehicle and accident rates did not justify a light-controlled crossing. I have, however, informed the town council that I should be prepared to authorise the provision of a zebra crossing and that if the town council were to propose a footbridge I would consider it.