HC Deb 14 November 1983 vol 48 cc594-5
5. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make a statement about speed restrictions on the A59 between Mellor and Samlesbury in Lancashire.

Mrs. Chalker

Although I have already indicated to my hon. Friend the difficulty about speed on this road, I am having further discussions with the county and the Lancashire police, and I hope to write to him again shortly.

Mr. Atkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that this matter is causing great concern both to my constituents and to those of my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Waddington), as the road passes through both constituencies? Does my hon. Friend realise that were she to decide not to impose a 50 mph speed limit on this stretch of road, where fatalities have occurred, her action might be taken amiss? I urge her to press strongly for a sensible answer to this difficult problem.

Mrs. Chalker

I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend. He knows that I have been concerned about the road. I was impressed by the strength of feeling shown about the problem when I met my hon. Friend and his delegation. As far as I know, the county council has accepted that the criteria for a 50 mph speed limit have not been met. That is why I wish to have further discussions with the county authorities and the police.