HC Deb 01 August 1956 vol 557 cc162-3W
Mr. Champion

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in view of the number of accidents which have occurred at the Spondon Level Crossing, Derbyshire, he will consider the installation of a traffic light on the nearby canal bridge which will stop vehicles at that point when the crossing gates are closed, or some other device which will lessen the risk of accidents at that crossing.

Mr. Watkinson

In the last four years there have been four accidents in which lorries have been unable to stop before reaching the level crossing gates. All four seem to have been due to poor brakes or inattention as, in spite of the gradient, there should be room for any vehicle to pull up after the gates are in sight. There is a well-sighted advance warning sign of the level crossing, but I am asking my divisional road engineer to discuss with the highway authority whether any additional safeguard such as that suggested is desirable.