§ 6. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister of Transport if he will send a circular to county councils and other local authorities giving guidance with a view to ensuring that all towns, villages and hamlets in England and Wales are adequately signposted.
§ Mr. CarmichaelModern traffic signs to the standards recommended by the Worboys Committee are being provided by highway authorities as quickly as possible, within the limits of the funds available. We are consulting organisations concerned about target dates for the completion of the conversion programme.
§ Mr. SmithIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is almost like being in wartime Britain when leaving the main roads in some parts of the country? Is he aware that the popular pastime of vandalism has extended to road signs in rural areas, and that very often the local authorities neglect to replace them? Will the hon. Gentleman remind local authorities of their responsibilities?
§ Mr. CarmichaelI agree that it is the responsibility of local authorities, but the hon. Gentleman is rather exaggerating the amount of vandalism and also the lack of signs. Our side roads are reasonably well sign posted. The Worboys Committee, which reported two years ago, recommended a complete new set of signs more in keeping with the speed of modern travel and of traffic generally. However, it is an expensive business to complete these new signs and it is being done in stages throughout the country.