§ 62. Mr. SIMMONDSasked the Minister of Transport whether he has issued, or will issue, a circular to local authorities advising them in what manner glossy roadways can best be made safe; and whether he has indicated any date by which these dangerous conditions must be rectified?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAHighway authorities have received from my Department detailed technical advice on the provision of non-slippery surfaces; and the importance of the matter was further emphasised in a Circular on "Public Safety" issued in February of this year. It is the duty of Highway authorities to remedy dangerous conditions due to slippery road surfaces, but if my hon. Friend will draw my attention to particular cases I will have inquiry made.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases local authorities have roughened the surface of the road in proximity to the traffic lights, thereby indicating the generally unsafe state of the road, and does he not think that the fact that the rest of the road is not roughened is a glaring example of economy rather than the saving of life?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy hon. Friend is aware that highway authorities are autonomous bodies. I can only do my best to secure a uniform standard, and that has been done.