§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the present record of motorway accidents involving contra-flow systems; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe give a great deal of attention to traffic control at motorway repair sites. I am satisfied96W that the use of contra-flow is preferable to diverting traffic on to unsuitable roads. With help from local authorities and the police, we monitor traffic flows at these sites and, wherever we can, introduce improvements to increase safety. The single greatest improvement, however, would come if drivers kept a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider introducing better barriers on motorway contra-flow systems to limit crossover accidents.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe propose to introduce in contra-flow systems next year a new design of lane diversion which, by substituting a smoother realignment of traffic lanes in place of the present acute crossovers, should help drivers to negotiate sites with less difficulty.