§ 2.49 p.m.
§ LORD ALPORTMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in may name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any research has been undertaken into the comparative effectiveness, from the point of view of traffic control and road safety, of signs and warnings incorporated in or painted on the road surface as opposed to signs and warnings on posts or brackets at the road side.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LINDGREN)My Lords, the Road Research Laboratory has undertaken certain studies. In general these two types of road sign are complementary and not alternatives. Each has particular advantages in different circumstances.
§ LORD ALPORTMy Lords, may I ask the Minister whether it is not true that a good driver should keep his eye on the road in front of him rather than to have it distracted by signs at the side of the road? Is it not important, if we are changing all our road signs, to make certain that the new signs which are being introduced are the most effective from the point of view of road control and road safety, which may well be those which are incorporated in the surface of the road?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, as I stated in the original Answer, they are complementary. The noble Lord will appreciate that in certain circumstances, such as when mud or snow is on the road, one cannot read or see the signs which are at present on the road. They are an additional help to the erected signs. One sees a "Stop" or "Halt" or "Get into Lane sign painted on the road more quickly if it is on a side road, and perhaps it is more effective; but these signs are complementary in different circumstances.
LORD HAWKEMy Lords, is it possible for drivers to see road signs at all from some of the sports cars which are now on the market?