HC Deb 18 October 1972 vol 843 cc257-8
26. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the computer-controlled signalling system to be in operation on the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire sections of the M1; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Graham Page

The computer is now being installed at Scratchwood and I expect the signalling system to he available for operation in the Metropolitan and Hertfordshire police areas by the end of the year. The section in Bedfordshire is in our forward programme and I am unable at present to give a date for its completion.

Mr. Madel

In view of yet another delay in getting this system operational in Bedfordshire and the accidents which occurred on the M1 during last winter, will my right hon. Friend consider introducing a winter speed limit or other safety measures so that the M1 in Bedfordshire can be made safer this winter In the absence of this lighting system which was promised for this winter?

Mr. Page

I will certainly look into that. The record of installing this system is not too bad. By the time we have installed it on the 21 miles between the Five Ways interchange and the Pepper-stock interchange and brought it into operation, the total mileage of motorway so equipped will be 196, and a further 290 miles will be commissioned in 1973.