§ 30. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the rate of progress in erecting central barriers on motorways; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SpeedThe rate of progress is being well maintained within the practical programme announced in August, 1818 1970. I expect that 940 miles of motorway will be equipped with safety barriers by March, 1974.
§ Mr. DormandMay I remind the Minister that the appalling figure of 7,696 killed in 1971 was 2.5 per cent. higher than the figure in 1970 and that most of that increase occurred in non-built-up areas? Will he confirm that central barriers make a significant contribution to safety on motorways? Will he make sure that there is no hold up in erecting central barriers on the 560 miles of motorway which still have not got them?
§ Mr. SpeedI confirm that where traffic levels reach a certain peak, central barriers make a significant difference. That is one of the reasons why we have substantially speeded up the mileage of them to be provided from 1975 to 1974. We do all we can within the limits of materials, manpower and weather.