§ 21. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Transport if he is still satisfied with the altered plans to the temporary improvement of Otley bridge; whether he is aware that nothing has been done for two months to this partially altered bridge; if he will state the reasons for the months of delay; what has been the cost of maintaining two men night and day working the traffic lights by hand; and when will the temporary safety plans be completed.
§ Mr. BarnesI have every hope that the revised scheme will prove satisfactory. The delay in bringing it into operation is due partly to the difficulties of the manufacturers in providing the special controlling apparatus required and partly to the severe weather. The alterations to the carriageways have been completed; the traffic control signals and part of the mechanism have been erected and, subject to the weather being suitable, the rest of the controlling apparatus will be installed and in operation by the end of March. The cost of working the traffic lights by hand is approximately £35 a week.