§ Sir Clive Bossomasked the Minister of Transport why the proposed steel crash barriers for the new light columns on the central reservation of the M4 are not being erected simultaneously with the columns; and, in view of the potential danger to motorists of erecting these columns without adequate crash barrier protection, what warning notices will be provided during the interim period.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe installation of lighting columns necessitated design changes to the standard type of crash barrier. We decided that it was safer to provide lighting during part of the winter from temporarily unprotected columns than to delay the whole project while the modified design was prepared and the installation contract let. Work on providing the barriers should start in the spring. Meanwhile we see no need for notices warning drivers of the presence of these very conspicuous columns.