HC Deb 08 March 1967 vol 742 cc1515-6
20. Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Transport what is her policy in regard to the use of "stop and give way "and" give way" signs in relation to the rule of the road that traffic on major roads has priority over traffic approaching from minor roads.

Mr. John Morris

Traffic on major roads has no legal priority over traffic entering them. Because, however, in practice it often assumes such priority, advice is given in paragraph 37 of the Highway Code, and this is supplemented by "stop" signs at dangerous junctions with bad visibility and by "give way" signs at other junctions. My right hon. Friend's policy is that "give way" markings should ultimately be laid across the minor road at all junctions not otherwise subject to control.

21. Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Transport if she is aware that "give way" road signs have been erected at roundabouts on the East Lancashire Road, the A580, giving priority to traffic from minor roads over traffic on a major, 70 m.p.h. speed limit road and that this is creating dangerous road hazards; and if she will take steps to remedy this.

Mr. John Morris

I am informed that there are no erected signs, only road markings at these roundabouts. These mark the point at which vehicles entering a roundabout should give way to those already in it. They have been in use about three weeks and should be given a fair trial before it is decided whether the roundabouts should be treated as exceptions to the general rule.

Mr. Ogden

Would my hon. Friend agree that to put half a sign on a roundabout is more dangerous than to put no sign at all? If there are signs on the roadway, should not they supplement the vertical "give way" signs which people are getting used to in the cities?

Mr. Morris

Not necessarily. We are introducing a general rule, and from the evidence of its operation it has been found generally that the signs are adequate.

33. Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Minister of Transport what has been the effect of her advice to motorists to "give way to traffic on the right" at roundabouts.

Mr. John Morris

The rule that vehicles entering a roundabout should give way to vehicles already in it seems generally to be working well.

Mr. Davidson

In view of the illuminating information in that reply, would my hon. Friend consider tendering other useful advice to motorists to make them more courtesy conscious?

Mr. Morris

Yes, certainly. If my hon. Friend has any ideas, I shall be very glad to look at them.

Mr. Bessell

Is there any proposal to extend the principle of giving way to the right; for example, on major junctions where there is no "halt" sign or "give way" sign?

Mr. Morris

No.