HC Deb 17 April 1996 vol 275 c506W
Mr. Nicholls

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission the Transport Research Laboratory to Carry our a Full-scale assessment of the effectiveness of crash cushions. [25151]

Mr. Watts

No, a study into the situations where there may be a need to deploy crash cushions on the highway network has already been carried out. Generally, their widespread use is not cost effective because of the unpredictability and infrequent occurrence of the type of accidents they prevent.

The Highways Agency has developed an effective prototype crash cushion, and other proprietary systems exist. They can be installed at particular sites on truck roads if in the light of the specific circumstances they provide an appropriate solution.

Mr. Nicholls

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of accidents within the last two years where vehicles have left the road and descended down an embankment(a) where a barrier has been present and (b) where no barrier has been present. [25143]

Mr. Norris

The information requested is not available.

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