Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Speeding: Rural Areas

Thursday 26 October 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department considers how to address speeding issues on rural routes.
  • Duncan Baker expressed concern over increasing speeds and accidents on local rural routes.
  • Minister acknowledged the need for a roundabout in Sheringham to address congestion.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Duncan Baker
Transport
Context

The question arises from concerns about safety on rural roads, particularly regarding speeding incidents that pose risks to all road users.

Question

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.

Answer from Richard Holden

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: 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.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Duncan Baker
Transport Community Security
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Richard Holden

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide an immediate funding source or commitment but encouraged the county council to use existing funds and wait for future opportunities.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)