§ Mr. ChopeI beg to move amendment No. 31, in page 3, line 33, leave out from beginning to end of line 37 and insert
This amendment arises out of concern, expressed during the debate on clause 5, that the new offence did not adequately cater for traffic equipment placed by anyone other than a highway authority. I explained then that the clause as drafted already catered for equipment placed by contractors working on behalf of a highway authority, but did not go far enough.
- '(a) anything lawfully placed on or near a road by a highway authority;
- (b) a traffic sign lawfully placed on or near a road by a person other than a highway authority;'
The intention of the amendment is therefore to provide a new definition of "traffic equipment" for this purpose. It will extend the application of the new offence to interference with all traffic signs and safety equipment put up by undertakers executing street works in accordance with the requirements imposed by the Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950 or which will be imposed under the new roads and street works legislation. I hope that it will be helpful.
§ Amendment agreed to.