§ 29. Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the Association of County Councils regarding the installation of experimental road humps.
§ Mr. HoramSince experimental humps were first constructed on public roads in 1976, the association has written to the Department three times expressing interest in the trials, and in being consulted about further legislation.
§ Mr. AtkinsonDoes the hon. Gentleman accept that sleeping policemen make a substantial contribution to road safety and reduce noise and speed in residential areas? Will he agree to amend the 1974 Act to give freedom to local authorities to instal sleeping policemen?
§ Mr. HoramThe hon. Gentleman is saying that he approves of the method to which he has referred, which improves road safety. I accept that. Sleeping policemen improve road safety. However, we want to proceed fairly carefully. There are some important problems. For example, how do we deal with emergency services such as the fire brigade? We need a little time to consider these matters. A report will be issued soon on the experiments that have taken place so far, and we shall then consider whether to amend the regulations. That will probably be later this year.