HC Deb 26 July 1972 vol 841 cc1795-6
5. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the reason for the multiplication of wiggly and other white lines on Her Majesty's Highway; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Peyton

To improve safety, Sir.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is my right hon. Friend quite sure about this? Does not this multiplication add up to distraction? Is he satisfied that all this expenditure and unsightliness will contribute to an increase in road safety? Does he think that the public understand all this?

Mr. Peyton

Yes, Sir. I am absolutely satisfied that this can make a very useful contribution. The purpose of the lines—to which I am sure that public will get used; they have already been widely publicised—is, first, to draw attention to the crossing itself and, second, to mark an area in which waiting and parking, and, from the approach direction, passing, are prohibited.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Will the Minister resist the blandishments of his wiggly hon. Friend and encourage local authorities to do more in the marking of junctions with white lines?

Mr. Peyton

I shall always find the blandishments of my hon. Friend very difficult to resist.

Sir E. Bullus

Will my right hon. Friend introduce a few wiggly lines into New Palace Yard?

Mr. Peyton

New Palace Yard and the immediate environment of where we now are is the last place that is in need of wiggly lines.