§ Mr. Forresterasked the Minister of Transport how many accidents have been reported on the M6 motorway between Stafford and Sandbach since it was opened; how many casualties have there been and how many people were killed or subsequently died of their injuries; whether she is satisfied that the design and construction of this stretch of motorway are adequate and in no way to blame for the accidents which have occurred; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe reported accidents and casualties on this section of M6 cover the period from August, 1962, when the Stafford By-pass section of M6 was opened, until end June, 1966, and from November, 1963, when the length in Cheshire was opened, until 21st July, 1966. The total number of accidents reported was 796 (including 673 in Staffordshire); the total number of casualties including deaths was 514 (including 416 in Staffordshire); the number killed or subsequently dying of injuries was 29 (including 24 in Staffordshire). Compared with similar figures for motorways elsewhere in the country these figures suggest that the accident rate is due to factors other than the construction and design of the motorway.