HL Deb 06 February 1957 vol 201 cc533-4

2.35 p.m.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any alterations are being contemplated in road signs; if so, whether they would conform to the road signs abroad and to the international code in such matters; and what cost would be involved.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (LORD MANCROFT)

My Lords, new traffic signs regulations will be laid before Parliament on Friday this week. They will not alter the general character of the present system, but they introduce a number of new and improved signs; they will bring out-of-date regulations into line with current practice and will save a great deal of administrative work. Some of the changes incorporate ideas derived from Continental practice, as contained in what is known as the European Protocol, but efforts to secure an international code of universal application have been unsuccessful. I can give my noble friend no precise estimate of what it would cost to adopt the European Protocol system in this country, but it would certainly amount to several million pounds.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer to my Question, though I am afraid I could not hear quite all of it. Is it not of considerable importance that the resolution en road signs which was adopted at Geneva a good many years ago should be adhered to as closely as possible and that we should try to conform so far as we can to the road signs in constant use abroad? Otherwise it may produce considerable danger, especially for the large number of foreign tourists who, we hope, will be cruising round in this country.

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, I agree with the noble Earl's view. We have attempted to stick as closely as possible to Continental practice, but there is also in existence a possible international code, which also has certain claims. I think that, so far as we have gone, we have come to an effective compromise, though I fully appreciate that others, like the noble Earl, would probably have wished us to go further in copying Continental practice.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, could the noble Lord say whether the proposals he is going to lay before the House on Friday will entail considerable expense?

LORD MANCROFT

Some expense, my Lords; not "considerable."

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