§ 37. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that on Thursday 3rd April 1975 another fatality took place at the Sun Arch in Winchester Road—the A31—in the borough of Romsey involving an over-sized container lorry; what steps he is taking with the Hampshire County Council to ensure that height restrictions are known and enforced; and what longterm plans he has for eliminating this hazardous arch.
§ Mr. MulleyYes. I understand that the highway authority—Hampshire County Council—will shortly erect a mandatory height restriction sign at the bridge prohibiting the passage of high vehicles, and that it has on order electronic height detection equipment which will help the police enforce the prohibition. Much of the traffic will avoid Romsey when the Cadnam-Chilworth section of the M27 is opened later this year. Other long-term plans for eliminating the hazard are in the first instance a matter for the county council as highway and traffic authority.