§ Sir Clive Bossomasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in bringing British traffic signs and markings into conformity with the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals agreed at Vienna last year; and if he will indicate the major changes that have to be made in the British system.
§ Mr. MarshNo major changes are imposed by the Convention. Our signs already largely accord with those of Continental Europe, which formed one of the bases of the Convention. There are however some differences between our practice and that allowed, for example the precise form of advance "Stop" sign and our use of give way markings. On some of these points it may be necessary to enter reservations when ratifying the Convention but in general it is hoped to make as few reservations as possible. The Convention allows a 15-year chang-over period.
A European Agreement is being prepared to supplement the Convention. It is too early to say what further changes to our system might be necessary, and desirable, if we are to be able to conform to that Agreement also.
§ Sir Clive Bossomasked the Minister of Transport what steps have been taken to implement the recommendation of the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals that road markings should be reflectorised if the density of traffic so requires.
§ Mr. MarshThis recommendation is already met by the detailed advice given to all highway authorities in Chapter 5 of the Traffic Signs Manual.