§ 35. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Transport what are his plans to bring British road traffic signs more into line with international road traffic signs, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayThis is one of the points that is being considered by the Committee on Traffic Signs under the chairmanship of Sir Walter Worboys. We are not proposing to make any change in our present system of signs until we receive the Committee's report.
§ Mr. GowerAs so many British motorists now go to the Continent and so many Continental businessmen and tourists come here, is it not regrettable that there are so many differences between our signs and those on the Continent, which are largely standardised?
§ Mr. HayIf one examines the European code of traffic signs and compares it with our own, it is interesting to find that the differences are far fewer than one would imagine. I would refer my hon. Friend to what I said in a debate on this subject only a few months ago. We think it better to get the view of the Committee before we make any changes.
§ Mr. LiptonIs not our system of road signs probably the worst in Western Europe, whether we standardise or not? When will the Government make it a little easier for British subjects not to lose their way in their native land?
§ Mr. HayThere are a number of differing views about the efficacy of our road signs. It is because of these factors that we decided to set up the Committee, which I hope will report very soon.