HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 cc553-4
9. Mr. Speed

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied with the operation and reliability of the emergency warning lights on the Ml and M45 motorways; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bob Brown

No, Sir, not entirely. Some time ago the emergency warning hazard signals were modified so that the police could switch them on or off from their vehicles without having to stop. Recently we have found that some of these signals, particularly on Ml, have been switched on and off by interference from air-borne electronic equipment. We are currently making investigations to eliminate this problem.

Mr. Speed

Is the Minister aware that in my experience the lights are flashing so often when there is no emergency that there is a real danger that motorists will ignore them when there is an emergency?

Mr. Brown

We are acutely aware of this problem, and that is why we are now taking remedial action.