§ VISCOUNT CECIL OF CHELWOODasked whether, in view of the great anxiety felt as to the position of that part of Western Avenue passing through Acton, His Majesty's Government will take immediate and adequate measures to allay that anxiety by the establishment of traffic lights, a speed limit of 30 miles per hour and other precautions to secure the safety of those using that thoroughfare.
THE EARL OF ERNEThe problem of the proper measures to be taken to secure greater safety for those who use this and other parts of Western Avenue is prominently before my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport. The proposals now under consideration, or in active preparation, include the provision of dual carriageways, cycle tracks, and footbridges or subways at certain points. The improvements in contemplation are extensive and involve the acquisition of property. Effect cannot therefore be given for some considerable time to the improvements in contemplation, and as a matter of urgency and pending the completion of permanent works my right honourable friend has given instructions for the immediate erection of temporary footbridges at two points on the length of road to which the noble Lord refers. After consultation with the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, my right honourable friend is unable to find that the circumstances existing in relation to this part of Western Avenue are such as to require the imposition of a speed limit. My right honourable friend will continue to keep a constant and careful watch upon the conditions on this road and, if the footbridges should be found not to meet the case adequately, pending the completion of the permanent works, he will be quite ready to consider further safety measures.
House adjourned at eighteen minutes past twelve o'clock.