A35

HC Deb 24 February 2004 vol 418 cc354-5W

Mr. Swire

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to upgrade the A35 between Dorchester and Honiton. [155299]

Mr. Jamieson

There are no current plans for significant upgrading of the A35 between Dorchester and Honiton.

Mr. Swire

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve(a) traffic flow and (b) road safety at Raymond's Hill on the A35. [155300]

Mr. Jamieson

The Highways Agency substantially completed a safety improvement scheme at Raymond's Hill last year, which includes new signs, red anti-skid surfacing and two traffic islands. It will prevent overtaking through the junction, help traffic entering or crossing the trunk road and assist pedestrians crossing the road. A reduction of the speed limit to 40 mph is also planned and this proposal has recently been advertised.

The new scheme will have limited effect on traffic flow but should make a significant improvement to road safety. Its impact will be monitored to see if further measures are necessary.