HC Deb 21 December 1960 vol 632 cc1279-80
16. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Transport if he will prepare a code of traffic conduct for motorists negotiating roundabouts from different directions.

Mr. Marples

I think it would be wise for me to await the report of the subcommittee of the Departmental Committee on Road Safety which has been examining the whole problem of priorities at junctions, including roundabouts.

Mr. Fisher

In considering the recommendations, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that busy roundabouts nowadays can be very confusing and that if he could incorporate into the Highway Code or some other suitable publication some rules of precedence, it would help motorists greatly to avoid discourtesy and, indeed, danger?

Mr. Marples

I have been in touch with the Road Research Laboratory on this. The difficulty is to get agreement as to what the priority should be.

Mr. Gower

Is it not the fact that the rule in France appears to work quite easily and that, provided that my right hon. Friend makes up his mind, there should be no difficulty here?

Mr. Marples

The Committee has looked at all the systems abroad and will consider any system it sees before making any recommendations.

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