HC Deb 02 August 1971 vol 822 cc225-6W
Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will provide information concerning the accident rate at night on motorways where lighting has been provided, and on other motorways.

Mr. Peter Walker

The information is not immediately available but I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he adopts or recommends in deciding when street lighting should be provided on motorways, trunk roads, principal roads and other roads.

Mr. Peter Walker

For those roads for which I am either directly responsible or make grant, a system of priorities is operated on a national basis and within the limit of available funds, whereby the highest priority is accorded to those schemes which, having regard to cost, can be expected to bring about the greatest saving in accidents.

Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent the Government accepts financial responsibility for the provision of lighting on motorways, trunk roads, principal roads and other roads.

Mr. Peter Walker

For motorways and trunk roads 100 per cent of capital cost and 100 per cent maintenance. For principal roads 75 per cent. of capital cost of approved schemes. No direct grant for maintenance. Other roads. No direct grant for either installation cost or maintenance.

Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his future intentions in regard to the provision of lighting on motorways.

Mr. Peter Walker

Future policy is at present under consideration.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now announce his decision to East Retford Rural District Council concerning their application for the road lighting of the A57 at Darlton, Nottinghamshire; and whether he will also give permission for work to begin on the group B1 lighting on the A638 at Ranskill, A631 at Everton and A620 at Clarborough, Nottinghamshire.

Mr. Graham Page

The lighting of the A57 trunk road at Darlton has now been agreed and the East Retford Rural District Council are being informed accordingly.

I am unable to comment on the merit of the three principal road schemes until details are submitted to me by the appropriate highway authority.