HL Deb 25 July 1966 vol 276 cc601-2

2.46 p.m.

VISCOUNT GOSCHEN

My 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, in view of the terms in which, and the purposes for which, the new system of flashing lights on motorways was announced to Parliament on the 24th November last, they think it proper or desirable that such lights should be used to give warning of ordinary road works on motorways.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD CHAMPION)

My Lords, the purpose of the flashing amber lights is to give warning to drivers that, because of a hazard on a motorway, they should drive at a speed which does not exceed 30 miles per hour and is safe having regard to the hazard. It is for the police who operate the lights, to decide what conditions, including road works, justify their use. Generally speaking, the use of these lights is inappropriate for hazards of more than short duration and they have been little used for road works.

VISCOUNT GOSCHEN

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for that Answer. But would he not agree that, as the road works signs are normally extremely well-sited, the use of the flashing lights further to denote road works may cause the motorist to forget the real significance of these lights, which is to warn him of fog, accidents and other emergencies?

LORD CHAMPION

My Lords, I agree with the noble Viscount that if flashing amber lights are used for hazards of long duration, such as road works the emergency impact of these lights in conditions of fog or accident may well be lost. The Minister feels, however, that it would be unwise to remove the discretionary powers of the police in this matter.

VISCOUNT GOSCHEN

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord.

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that, by reason of the Written Answer to which my noble friend's Question relates, the public is under the impression that these lights are there for warning in conditions of fog and bad visibility? Is the noble Lord further aware that this move, and the 70 m.p.h. limit at all times arise from an original study of multiple accidents in fog? Could the noble Lord tell us how many more "illegitimate children" that study is going to foist upon us?

LORD CHAMPION

My Lords, I have no responsibility for illegitimate children, so far as I know. All I can say is that I agree with the noble Lord that these matters have to be very carefully considered, and of course they will be kept under review by the Ministry of Transport.