§ 2.43 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGHMy Lords, I beg leave 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 consideration is being given to road accidents that take place at the end of dual carriageways, and whether ample warning should not be given to motorists to reduce speed at such points.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LINDGREN)My Lords, we are aware of the difficulties caused by drivers failing to reduce speed sufficiently at the end of dual carriageways. We consider that the best solution to the problem lies in the proper use of adequate traffic signs warning drivers of the situation clearly and in good time. I am sure that the new traffic signs recommended in the Worboys Report will result in a great improvement. Where appropriate, their use has already been specially authorised to indicate the end of dual carriageways. The signs include one telling drivers to "Reduce Speed Now".
§ LORD SOMERSMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether the actual placing of these signs will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport or of local government?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, it will be the responsibility of the highway authorities in association with the Ministry. Lack of standardisation of signs has been one of the failings. The Ministry, in conjunction with the highway authorities, are trying to secure standardisation, and a manual is being prepared to be submitted to them. They, together with the divisional road engineers, will establish uniformity to the greatest possible degree.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord when he anticipates that these signs will be erected?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, we hope that the regulations will come into force on January 1 next. Then, in con- 219 junction with the highway authorities, the signs will be erected as soon as possible after that. Some of them have already been erected in suitable places where new signs have been required.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, will the noble Lord take note that the excellent signs at the ends of motorways, and at their junctions with other roads, have proved such a success? Why can they not be duplicated straight away?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, they are the signs to which I have already referred: "Reduce Speed Now", and "Dual Carriageway Ends". In fact, on motorways, and, I hope, on other roads, this will given an indication of the distance to the end of the dual carriageway.
§ THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGHMy Lords, I beg to thank the noble Lord for his reply, and to wish him every success in the arduous task of representing Her Majesty's Government on a subject in which this House has always taken a great and intelligent interest.