Speeding Rural Areas 2023-10-26
2023-10-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about safety on rural roads, particularly regarding speeding incidents that pose risks to all road users.
What recent discussions his Department has had with the Home Office on tackling speeding in rural areas. My concern stems from reports of increasing speeds and resultant accidents on local rural routes.
My Department takes road safety for all road users, including those using rural routes, extremely seriously. We are currently considering how best to address the specific safety issues that may arise on parts of the local rural network. As part of our work on road safety, my officials regularly meet Home Office officials to discuss issues of mutual interest.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete details about any specific measures or timelines for addressing speeding in rural areas beyond stating regular meetings and consideration of issues.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Sheringham, a tourist town in North Norfolk, faces congestion on its main road leading into the town. The community supports building a roundabout to alleviate traffic and improve safety.
On the subject of speeding and rural safety, the entry into one of my primary towns in North Norfolk—Sheringham, a tourist town on the Norfolk coast—has a fast-flowing road that is becoming more and more congested year after year. What it really needs is a roundabout, which the Minister knows all about. All in my community support it. Unfortunately, the county council does not have the money—not as much as the Minister now has, certainly. Could he please find me a funding pot to bid into to build the Sheringham roundabout?
My hon. Friend is a real champion for a Sheringham roundabout; in fact, he has dragged me there to visit the A148 junction with Holway Road. I was delighted to do it, and I will be happy to go down and see it again. I understand that Norfolk County Council is continuing preliminary design work and confirming costs and planning requirements, which should put Norfolk in a strong position to make a bid. Although there are no immediate sources for this specific scheme, I encourage the council to continue to work with the safer roads fund, because a new opportunity will arise next year.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide an immediate funding source or commitment but encouraged the county council to use existing funds and wait for future opportunities.
Response accuracy