§ Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Transport if she will give details of the accident which caused the M4 to be closed for part of one evening recently; how many casualties there were; what proceedings are being taken against any of the drivers involved; and what lessons are to be learned from this accident.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe westbound carriageway of the M4 was closed for approximately two hours on Friday evening 3rd November as a result of the cumulative effect of 15 accidents. Fifteen casualties are known to the police; in four cases injuries were serious. Police inquiries are still proceeding as to what action, if any, will be taken against drivers involved. Weather conditions were bad at the time with heavy rain and muddy spray reducing visibility. The lesson to be learned is that in such conditions drivers must reduce speed and exercise great care.