HL Deb 08 November 1955 vol 194 cc324-5

2.43 p.m.

LORD WOLVERTON

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the present dangerous condition of the junction of the trunk roads A11 and A45 near Newmarket, early consideration can be given to the creation of a roundabout designed to reduce the liability to accidents; and whether any estimate can be given of the cost of such an improvement.]

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, consideration is being given to the improvement to the junction of A11 and A45 southwest of Newmarket by widening an existing road linking A11 and A45 near that junction, and introducing one-way traffic working round the land enclosed by the three roads. The possibility of improving the junction of A11 and A45 north-east of Newmarket will be further examined. Any practical improvement scheme would involve interference with the Limekilns Training Ground. The approximated estimated cost of improvement of each of these junctions is about £10,000, but it is not possible at present to say when schemes could be authorised.

LORD WOLVERTON

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply, and I am glad to hear that something may be done about one-way traffic on the London side, because it is growing enormously and there was a serious accident there the other day. It is the crossing over of these two roads which has caused the difficulty. If something can be done quickly, I know it will be much appreciated.

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, would Her Majesty's Government take into consideration that recent experience has proved conclusively that roundabouts are no cure either for congestion or accidents, and that in cases such as these fly-overs, although perhaps rather more expensive, are the real solution to the problem?

LORD HAWKE

Any suggestion put forward by the noble Lord will certainly be examined by my right honourable friend, but the noble Lord will appreciate, of course, that my right honourable friend has a limited sum of money, upon which there are almost unlimited calls.