§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that the present constraints on road maintenanc e are not adversely affecting road safety standards.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes. I am broadly satisfied that the condition of most roads is not seriously deteriorating, that the frequency of all accidents is not increasing, and that road safety will continue to be a major factor in the way local highway authorities determine priorities within their transport budget.
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§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Minister of Transport what study his Department has made of the finding in the 22nd annual report of the Road Operators' Safety Council that accidents in Devon, caused by skidding on poor road surfaces, have increased; and whether his Department or the Transport and Road Research Laboratory has any evidence of increases in such accidents nationally because of declining standards of road maintenance.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have read the section of the report to which the hon. Member refers. Since it was published in 1977, the number of personal injury accidents in Devon caused by skidding has, in fact, fallen. The Department studies closely the reports which are submitted by the police on all accidents which involve personal injury. I can find no evidence to show that there has been any increase in the number of accidents caused by skidding.