HC Deb 16 June 1977 vol 933 cc262-3W
Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the safety aspect of the three and a half miles trunk highway in Birmingham, Smallbrook, Queensway; and if he will hold a public inquiry.

Mr. William Rodgers

A number of representations have been received about the Birmingham Inner Ring Road from other hon. Members and from members of the public. On the question of an inquiry, I have nothing to add to my reply to the Question from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. Eyre) on 13th June—[Vol. 933, col. 46–47.]

Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if the Smallbrook Ringway, Birmingham was waterproofed in accordance with the official specification for roads and bridgeworks issued in 1951 and revised in 1957.

Mr. William Rodgers

These details are not available at this stage. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. Eyre) on 13th June—[Vol. 933, col. 46–47.]

Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take action to allay public fear in respect of Smallbrook Queensway and ensure that Government and local authority responsibities are met.

Mr. William Rodgers

I have nothing to add at this stage to my reply to the

PEDESTRIANS KILLED OR INJURED AT PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS: BY TYPE OF CROSSING: GREAT BRITAIN: 1972–76
Number
Type of crossing 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
Manually controlled … 240 218 232 258 290
Light controlled at junction … 892 1,027 1,012 945 915
Light controlled not at junction … 287 366 389 464 605
Uncontrolled … 5,117 4,755 4,348 3,817 3,408
All known crossings … 6,536 6,366 5,981 5,484 5,218

I regret that similarly classified figures for numbers of accidents cannot be supplied without incurring a disproportionate cost.

My Department has recently given approval to a revised reporting system for national road accident statistics which several local police forces, and local authorities, will implement in January 1978. Amongst other improvements to the existing system, the new report form will distinguish between pedestrian accidents at zebra and pelican crossings.