§ 3.1 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether anything can be done to improve the road intersection from West Drayton to London Airport, North Side, by means of a roundabout, in view of the large amount of traffic desiring to enter or leave London Airport.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)My Lords, this junction is at present being improved by the widening of the carriageways and the replacement of the staggered lay-out by a simple crossroads. The traffic lights will be retained. This improvement should greatly increase the traffic capacity of the junction, and should be more effective at this point than a roundabout. The airport authorities have also constructed a small roundabout inside the airport to assist traffic flow.
§ EARL HOWEMy Lords, may I ask whether the noble Lord is aware that at least one of the principal traffic authorities in the area is strongly in favour of a roundabout, as against a light-controlled crossing, owing to the reduction in possible danger to individuals using the airport?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, I do not think I could agree with the noble Earl on that point. I do not know whether he is aware of the present proposal for improvement, which includes moving the existing entrance to London Airport, North, a little way westwards, until it is opposite the road leading from West Drayton. It is all part of the construction of dual-carriageways between that point and the point known as Henly's Corner, and I think will be perfectly adequate for the traffic calculated at the present time.
§ EARL HOWEMy Lords, has the noble Lord been correctly informed? The road from West Drayton comes in exactly opposite the entrance to the airport: it is a direct, right-angular road 433 intersection. It may well be that the noble Lord's solution will be better, but I think something ought to be done to improve it.
§ LORD CHESHAMI do not know whether I should admit to being misinformed on this matter, but the actual lay-out of the cross-roads is a staggered one, as I shall be pleased to show the noble Earl, with the maps and plans which I have before me, if he will be so kind as to meet me afterwards. This, in any case, is not the ultimate answer, whether it be a roundabout or anything else. The real solution in the longer term is that as traffic moves from London Airport, North, to London Airport, Central, as it will be doing, it should go by the proposed underpass right under the Bath Road coming up on to the East-bound carriageway.