§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will instruct the relevant authorities that in the event of a road closure due to an accident their absolute priority, after dealing with any casualties, must be to reopen the road as soon as possible. [HL5317]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThis is an operational matter for the police, whose paramount concern must be the protection of the public. As well as ensuring that accident victims are appropriately attend to, the police must be satisfied that the road is safe for use. They also have a duty to investigate accidents and their causes in a professional manner and to gather any appropriate evidence from the scene. Depending on the circumstances, these necessary procedures may unavoidably take some considerable time.
99WAThe police are nevertheless fully aware that road closures, particularly those on motorways, are very sensitive issues which can cause considerable inconvenience. They already keep them to an absolute minimum and, where they are necessary, do their best to reopen the road as soon as possible.