§ VISCOUNT BRIDGEMANasked Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to the urgent need for replacing Ludford Bridge, Salop, on the Trunk Road A.49, and to the present congestion and danger to traffic at that point; and to inquire when they propose to authorise improvement works to be carried out.
§ THE PAYMASTER GENERAL (THE EARL OF SELKIRK)My right honourable friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation is aware of the traffic conditions at Ludford Bridge. A scheme for the replacement of the bridge, which is listed as an ancient monument, on a new line is included in the development plan prepared by the Salop County Council, but my right honourable friend is unable to say when this scheme could be authorised. In order to give some relief in the meantime it is proposed to instal traffic signals on the existing bridge which will permit a shuttle service to be worked across the bridge. Before the signals can be installed it is necessary to widen the northern approach to the bridge to allow for traffic leaving the bridge to pass the traffic waiting at the signals. This improvement has already been authorised and efforts will be made to carry out the work this year.