HL Deb 23 July 1996 vol 574 cc1263-4

2.54 p.m.

Lord Renton asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that whenever possible traffic lights on dual carriageways are placed between the carriageways instead of at each side of them.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)

My Lords, traffic signals should be installed so that they are visible to both approaching and waiting traffic. To achieve that, and to be clear to which lane the signals apply, it is necessary and usual to place them both at the side and between the carriageways, unless the requirements of a particular site dictate otherwise.

Lord Renton

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that somewhat cautious reply. Is he aware that overhead lights should also be placed in the centre rather than at the sides of dual carriageways?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, I can confirm that in looking at the lighting of dual carriageways and motorways we aim for the most effective, economic, and environmentally sensitive approach. Indeed, putting lighting on the central reservation often achieves that. I can confirm that that is often also the most environmentally acceptable method.

Lord Clinton-Davis

My Lords, can the Minister indicate whether junctions on dual carriageways constitute a particular hazard? Does he have any evidence to suggest that more or fewer accidents occurred at junctions on dual carriageways in 1995 than in 1994, when I think they amounted to 6 per cent. of the total of 4,034 fatal or serious injuries occurring on the roads? If junctions do constitute a serious hazard, can he say whether the accidents are speed related?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, I cannot give the noble Lord any more up-to-date statistics. Clearly many road safety issues centre on junctions. Of course when traffic is travelling fast that can be exacerbated. When people are speeding, obviously the risk increases in proportion. There is an issue relating to traffic lights on higher speed-limited roads. That is why the systems that we have introduced take account of traffic in a so-called dilemma zone when it is approaching lights.

Viscount Montgomery of Alamein

My Lords, following what the noble Lord, Lord Clinton-Davis, said, have the speed cameras which have been installed as an additional piece of road furniture had any effect?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, yes, I believe that they have been extremely effective. I understand that some 300 cameras (both red light and speed cameras) have been installed. They have led to considerable road safety benefits.