§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the central barrier on the M4 demolished in the fatal accident about one mile west of Junction 15 on Sunday 4th July had not been repaired by Monday 12th July; when he will have this work completed; and what was the reason for the delay in restoring this essential safety barrier.
§ Mr. MarksOn this length of motorway the westbound carriageway is -approximately 1.2 metres higher than the eastbound carriageway. When the coach which was travelling westwards collided with the safety barrier, the barrier was pushed over, ripping out its support post from the made-up ground over the length of about 100 metres and damaging another 50 metres of barrier.
This disturbed the ground, to the extent that re-stabilisation is necessary. This foundation work has prevented an 268W immediate start to the replacement of the barrier, which should, however, be completed by the end of the month.