HC Deb 04 December 1978 vol 959 cc512-3W
Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the costs involved in creating a Forfar bypass; and whether further feasibility studies are required before a final route is chosen.

Mr. McElhone

The preliminary studies made by the local highway authority before the route was trunked suggested a cost of £3 million for the bypass. Further studies are required to establish a more up-to-date cost and a preferred route.

Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies he has instituted to determined the effects on Forfar of increased road traffic flows when the road through Forfar becomes the main oil-related route; and what steps are being taken to mitigate the effects of increased road traffic through Forfar before the projected bypass is completed.

Mr. McElhone

Earlier this year Tayside regional council carried out safety and maintenance surveys of the newly trunked road within the town.

As a result the following measures have been approved and will be done as soon as practicable:

  1. (i) Improvement of street lighting on A929.
  2. (ii) Extension of the 30 m.p.h. limit on A929 and A94 by approximately 100 yards.
  3. (iii) Resiting of bus laybys on Dundee Loan (A929).
  4. (iv) Use of traffic wardens at peak hours to control two junctions on A94.

Flashing amber lights have been installed at three school crossings. Some £60,000 has been spent on improving and modifying the surface of the road and this work will continue in spring 1979.

Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with proposed road safety measures in Forfar prior to the completion of a Forfar bypass; and what funds he will make available to assist in the creation of further road safety improvements in the burgh.

Mr. McElhone

My right hon. Friend is considering proposals for waiting restrictions on the trunk road in Forfar, and will shortly be consulting interested organisations. It is for Tayside regional council, as local highway authority, to consider what safety measures are appropriate for other roads in the town.

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