Mr. Clive Bossonasked the Minister of Transport whether applications for grant are approved and authorised when reflectorised materials for the marking of the edges of carriageways are included in the specifications for new and improved classified roads.
§ Mr. MarplesApproved reflectorised markings for the edges of the carriageways of classified roads are eligible for grant. I shall soon be giving guidance to local highway authorities on their use.
§ Mr. Clive Bossomasked the Minister of Transport how many miles of trunk roads have been experimented upon in the use of reflectorised paint for marking the edges of the carriageway; and if he will make greater use of this aid to road safety.
§ Mr. MarplesTrials of reflectorised edge of carriageway markings are being carried out on sections of the A.23 trunk road at Gatwick and the A.1 trunk road at Wetherby; the total length of the markings is about 1 mile. In addition, lengths of motorways totalling about 88 miles, and Class I roads totalling nearly 8 miles are the subject of experiments with this material. It is proposed to prescribe an edge of carriageway marking in the new traffic signs Regulations and the Traffic Signs Manual will encourage highway authorities to use reflectorised material where traffic conditions warrant it.