§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what new proposals have been made by the Highways Agency to improve safety on the A449 between Kidderminster and Worcester; and if he will make a statement. [20759]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the hon. Member.
269WLetter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Peter Luff, dated 18 December 1997:
Glenda Jackson has asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to reply to your question about what new proposals the Agency has to improve safety on the A449 between Kidderminster and Worcester. Lawrie Haynes, the Chief Executive has asked me to reply as he is away from the Office at present.As you know, the Highways Agency shares your concern about the continuing accident problem on this section of the A449. The report we mentioned in our letter to you of 12 November was received earlier this month. It recommends a number of measures aimed at improving safety and reducing excessive traffic speed both in the short and longer term.Now that we have had an opportunity to consider the report we propose to accept its recommendations for improved turning facilities at selected junctions (similar to those already in place at Hadley Turn), closing some of the gaps in the central reserve and introducing a 50 mph speed limit to be enforced by the introduction of speed cameras. We intend to implement the short term measures quickly for the immediate benefits they will bring.As a first step we will discuss these proposals with the Parish Councils concerned early in the new year. We will also ensure that these measures are now worked up in greater detail to enable them to be displayed locally and implemented at the earliest possible opportunity next year.Consultants have also been instructed to prepare proposals for the introduction of central reserve safety fencing along those parts of the route where it is not already in place.The longer term solution will take more time to develop and statutory procedures will need to be completed. We will write to you again when we have more information to report on this matter.In the meantime, I am sure that Tom Barry, Area Manager for the A449, would be happy to explain the proposals in more detail. Tom can be contacted on 0121–678–8366.