§ 4. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Transport what action he has taken on the advice he received from the Advisory Committee on Traffic Signs for Motorways; whether decisions have been taken on a system of motorway warnings and on police supervision of central control rooms; what other action is to be taken to make the motorways safer; where are the experiments on motorway safety being made; and on what roads will new safety equipment be installed.
§ Mr. HayThe traffic signs provided on motorways are in accordance with the advice of that Committee. We propose, as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made, to install a system of remotely controlled illuminated warning signs on the M.5 motorway. These signs, like the emergency telephone system, will be connected to a central police control room.
We have installed an experimental anti-dazzle screen on M.1, and this year we propose to install two experimental lengths of safety barrier also on M.1. We are considering the trial of further methods of preventing dazzle, but cannot yet say on which motorway this trial will be made.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithI greatly appreciate that informative Answer. If what is contained in the Question is a success, will the hon. Gentleman set an example to the other Government Ministries by encouraging the export industries so that when we take a lead in these matters the export industries receive the encouragement which they deserve?