HC Deb 02 November 1955 vol 545 cc1022-3
54. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of the increasing number of Britons taking cars abroad and of foreigners bringing cars to this country, he has considered making the new proposed traffic signs conform to those already in use on the Continent.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have recently circulated new draft traffic signs regulations for the comments of representative bodies. The regulations set out comprehensively our present system, with a number of important changes, some of which are designed to bring us closer to Continental practice. The new regulations will lead to greater uniformity in our traffic signs generally, but I have at present no power to cause traffic signs to be illuminated.

Captain Pilkington

Where my right hon. Friend considers that our signs are better than those of the Continent, would he suggest that the Continent changes?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am inclined to think that, in most matters, our practice is better than that in foreign countries.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Are those draft regulations available to hon. Members?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Not yet, I think, but they will, of course, have to be laid before Parliament in the ordinary way.

Mr. Strauss

I suppose an hon. Member can get a copy if he applies to the Ministry?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I will look into it. I anticipate no difficulty.