§ 20. Sir A. Hurdasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in response to requests from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the local road safety committees, he will now give some general guidance to motorists as to who has right of way at traffic roundabouts.
§ Mr. NugentThe Departmental Committee on Road Safety is making a further examination of this subject in the light of all known facts, including the practice and experience in other countries. Until that study is complete the advice the Committee has given so far stands, namely, that it is not in the interests of road safety to prescribe a priority rule at roundabouts.
§ Sir A. HurdIs not the view widely held by experienced and knowledgeable 1311 people that it would help if the Ministry of Transport could give guidance about the right of way at roundabouts, especially now that we are having many more constructed? Also, could we have the benefit of the experience of other countries, such as France, which give a right of way?
§ Mr. NugentThat is what we are considering. We are about to collect information on what is being done in other countries. I am not at all certain that where there is Priorité à droite, or something similar, it is altogether satisfactory, but we will collect the information and if, in the light of this, it appears that we should make a change we will do so.
§ Mr. ChampionAt one roundabout, at least, there is a sign "Give way to traffic coming from the right". Is that experimental, or is it illegal for such notices to be displayed?
§ Mr. NugentThey are probably unofficial.