§ 1. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will consult the relevant authorities and organisations, and then issue new guidelines for improved advance warning and clearer marking of all road works, including those undertaken for, and on behalf of, statutory authorities; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Kenneth Clarke)Warning signs at road works have been under constant discussion between the Department of Transport and all interested authorities and organisations for many years. Comprehensive instructions are contained in "Traffic Safety Measures for Road Works", first published in 1973. These instructions have been updated whenever necessary with advice notes, and a revised edition of the document will be published next year.
§ Mr. JannerDoes the Under-Secretary of State agree that there has never been a time more than the present when the dangers caused by inadequate signs and the amount of road works has been greater as a result of the snow, slush and ice that are causing such a menace on our roads and pavements? Is he aware that local authorities throughout the country are anxious to deal with these dangers which, among other things, are forcing elderly people to stay at home—and they are likely to be there over the Christmas period—because they dare not go out? In the spirit of the season, will he consult the relevant authorities on how local authorities can be helped to deal, without delay, with our pavements, roads and road works?
§ Mr. ClarkeWe steadily consult local authorities about road works and road signs. I realise that conditions on pavements get worse at this time of year when the snow and ice come. We shall certainly discuss with local authorities any ideas for improving traffic signs and road conditions round road works. We try to give authorities adequate grant to enable them to improve road conditions in their areas.