§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there has been an increase in the number of accidents causing death, injury and long delays on the M4 motorway between junctions 10 and 12 in each direction during 2004 to date; and [HL160]
Whether they will examine new methods to deal with accidents on the M4 motorway between junctions 10 and 12 more quickly and effectively to reduce delays on the motorway and mitigate the resulting disruption to traffic in surrounding areas; and [HL161]
How many serious accidents on the M4 motorway between junctions 10 and 12 during 2004 to date involved heavy goods vehicles; and [HL162]
Whether they will extend the lighting of the M4 motorway from junction 8/9 to junction 12. [HL163]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamThe most recent and verified accident data for this year cover the period from 1 January to 30 June. During this period, there has not been a statistically significant increase in the number of accidents causing death, injury and long delays on the M4 motorway between junctions 10 and 12 in each direction. Three of the accidents between these junctions involved heavy goods vehicles.
Accident statistics for the period 1 January 2004 to 30 June 2004 are as follows:
January February March April May June Total Fatal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Serious injury 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 Slight injury 1 1 4 3 4 3 16 Total 2 2 4 3 4 3 18 The Highways Agency is examining various new methods to deal with incidents and accidents on the motorway network and the impact they have on other road users. Specifically, Highways Agency traffic officers are being introduced across the motorway network and it is anticipated that they will be patrolling the M4 in 2005. Their main aim is to keep 64WA traffic moving and contribute to the safety and reliability of journeys made by the travelling public.
The section of M4 motorway between junctions 10 and 12 is fully lit. Based upon standard assessment criteria a lighting scheme between junctions 8/9 and 10 is not of sufficient priority to justify progressing.