§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made on the affect on accident levels of(a) motorway lane closures and (b) motorway lighting. [24486]
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§ Mr. John Watts[holding reply for 16 May]: This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from L. Haynes to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 17 May 1995:
As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made on the affect on accident levels of (a) motorway lane closures and (b) motorway lighting.Recent studies have shown that the accident rate at motorway lane closures due to road works is higher than the rate on unrestricted carriageways, although the increased rate is less than on any other category of road. Studies have also shown that lighting can reduce the after dark accident rate on trunk roads and motorways by an average of 30%.The Highways Agency seeks to minimise accidents on motorways by applying, amongst other techniques, mandatory 50mph speed limits at roadworks enforced by speed detection cameras, and by providing lighting where appropriate and environmentally acceptable. These measures have met with success, but research and innovation are continuing with a view to improve safety further.