§ 70. Mr. Randallasked the Minister of Transport if she will make a statement on the number of road accidents in Gates- head for 1965, in view of the increase of 48 per cent. over the previous year; and if she will list the number of recommendations made by the local authority during the last five years which were not approved by the Minister.
§ Mr. John MorrisMy right hon. Friend is very disturbed about this increase. Our divisional road engineer is in constant touch with the council about measures to make the roads in Gateshead safe. There may have been differences of opinion about the practicability or effectiveness of particular safety measures. But work on three major schemes, costing £3¼ million, to relieve the town centre of through traffic should start within the next two or three years. In addition, following a special investigation by the Department, the council is to introduce an intensive traffic management scheme in the town centre to improve traffic flows and reduce accidents.