HC Deb 13 November 2003 vol 413 c435W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safety measures he will put in place on the A36 through Plaitford and West Wellow in(a) financial year 2003–04 and (b) the next financial year and beyond. [137463]

Mr. Jamieson

I have asked the Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Stephen Hickey, to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Stephen Hickey to Mr. Robert Key, dated 13 November 2003

I have been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what safety measures will be put in place on the A36 through Plaitford and West Wellow in this financial year, the next financial year and beyond.

The Highways Agency has identified a number of schemes that will improve the safety on this length of road. Many of these measures are outlined in the draft A36 Plaitford to West Wellow Speed and Safety Study sent to you for comment on 26 September.

During this financial year, signing improvements on both approaches to Blackhill Road have been completed. Works to improve the bus stop at Whinwhistle Road, providing raised kerbs, a new shelter and extended footway have also been completed. Also work is currently ongoing to install 2 safety cameras at Whinwhistle Road junction. Construction of a Toucan crossing at the eastern arm of Canada Common roundabout is planned subject to funding,

Schemes proposed for the next financial year involve the reduction of vehicle speeds through Plaitford by signing, road markings and vehicle-activated signs. The provision of a vehicle-activated sign to warn of queues at the Whinwhistle Road junction is also planned. Alterations to the width of the circulatory carriageway on Canada Common roundabout is proposed to reduce vehicle speeds and surface treatments are planned to reinforce speed limits.

Schemes being investigated for possible inclusion in future programmes include the provision of controlled and uncontrolled crossings along this length of road, and the reduction of the existing 50mph speed limit through Plaitford to 40mph.