§ 47. Mr. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that on the London—Harwich road there are international route signs incorporating the international route No. E.8 and other signs of the normal type incorporating his Department's classification route number A.12; and to what extent it is his policy that both route numbers shall be shown on all roads in this country which were included in the international network.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. G. R. H. Nugent)There are eight routes in this country which are part of the international network. One of them follows the London—Birmingham Motorway, which is not yet completed, and three others branch off it. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will consider with us whether there should be international route number signs on the appropriate routes in this country when the motorway is completed. In the meantime, the number "E/" has been painted out on the signs to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCould my hon. Friend say whether consideration is still being given to the possibility of making all our road signs conform to a greater extent to the Continental type?
§ Mr. NugentThat is not, of course, strictly related to this Question. The answer, as my hon. Friend knows, is that it is not our present intention to change all our signs in this way, but where we are introducing new ones, as on the motorways, we are conforming as far as possible to the Continental practice.
§ Mr. SnowBut notwithstanding that reply, would it not be a good idea at any rate to start with school signs on these roads so that foreign drivers are aware of the proximity of school crossings?
§ Mr. NugentIf the hon. Gentleman can tell me where school signs are missing, I shall be pleased to look into it.