55. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what is the estimated time during which the Burgh level-crossing gates are closed between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.
§ Mr. NugentRecent observations by the British Transport Commission showed that the gates are closed against road traffic for an average of 4 minutes per train. On this basis the gates would be closed for a total of about 3¼ hours on a weekday and 1¾ hours on a Sunday over the 16 hour period mentioned in the question.
56. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what number of vehicles per hour use the Lincoln-Spilsby-Skegness road in the vicinity of Burgh Station in daylight during peak periods in summer.
§ Mr. NugentThe last census, taken in August, 1954, showed that during the peak traffic hours on Saturdays and Sundays, the average number of vehicles per hour using the crossing were 618 and 723, respectively. Actual traffic volumes128W are much affected by weather conditions, and may sometimes reach as much as double the census figures.
57. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what special steps he is taking to maintain road safety at the Burgh Station level crossing, and to prevent accidents due to the alternate hold up and release of heavy holiday traffic caused by this obstruction.
§ Mr. NugentConditions have been under observation at holiday times for some years, but neither the county surveyor nor the chief constable consider that additional or special measures are necessary. In view of my hon. and gallant Friend's representations, however, I have asked our Divisional Road Engineer to go into the matter again, and I will write to him as soon as I have the D.R.E.'s report.