HC Deb 12 January 1977 vol 923 cc1407-8
1. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what study he is making of motorway accidents in fog; and what steps he is taking to reduce the number and magnitude of such accidents.

The Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. John Horam)

We are examining the problem of motorway accidents in fog to see whether any changes are needed in the regulations, advice and technical assistance to help drivers to cope with the difficult conditions and to reduce the risk of accidents.

Mr. Roberts

Does not my hon. Friend agree that, since the introduction of lighting on the Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire section of the M1, there has been a dramatic reduction in motorway accidents in that area? What plans does he have to light sections of other motorways which are particularly vulnerable to accidents in fog?

Mr. Horam

There is a national plan to light particularly difficult sections of motorways, and this is operated with the co-operation of local authorities. There is also a national plan to provide more warning signs of difficult conditions indicating the need for slower speeds and so on. Taken together, I hope that these measures will help to improve the situation.

Mr. Madel

Would it not reduce the risk of accidents if lorries used only the slow lane on motorways in foggy condi- tions? Will the Minister institute a study of the operation of the hazard warning lights which are often flashing on motorways for no good reason?

Mr. Horam

Confining lorries to the slow lane in fog would present other drivers with difficulties, because if they were forced into the outer lanes they might have to cross one or two lanes of heavy lorries to leave the motorway. We have looked at this suggestion in the past and we shall look at it again if we feel that it can make a serious contribution to the problem. I shall certainly look into what the hon. Gentleman has said about warning lights flashing unnecessarily.

Mr. Fitch

Does my hon. Friend agree that there are fewer accidents per vehicle mile on motorways than on any other roads?

Mr. Horam

Yes, my hon. Friend is right. The risk of death or serious injury on motorways is one-third of what it is on all other roads. Motorways are our safest roads.