HC Deb 23 November 1966 vol 736 c299W
76. Mr. Gurden

asked the Minister of Transport if she will arrange for three-shift working on repairs to motorways in order to expedite their completion.

Mr. Swingler

I am concerned that all reasonable measures should be taken to expedite completion of essential motorway repairs and improvements.

Three-shift working would be employed where special circumstances warranted, but its general use would add substantially to costs; moreover it is difficult to execute certain road-repairing processes by artificial light. Nor must we overlook the increased hazard, both to motorists and to the workmen themselves, created by night work and by the special lighting required.

Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is her policy that there should be flexible safety barriers and anti-dazzle screens in the central reservations of motorways.

Mr. Swingler

Safety barriers are provided where the width of central reservation is less than normal. The Department is carrying out experiments to ascertain in what other circumstances the provision of barriers and screens would be beneficial, and which types would be most suitable.

Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Minister of Transport when she expects to be able to give details of the plan for motorways in the decade from 1970.

Mrs. Castle

I hope to announce before long a first list of inter-urban road schemes to be prepared for inclusion in the road programme for the early 1970's.

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