HC Deb 23 June 1986 vol 100 cc61-2W
Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the amount of expenditure on the maintenance of direction signs on motorways for each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Moore

I regret that this particular information is not available, but the following is the expenditure incurred on maintaining signs and signals on motorways over the five years 1979–80 to 1983–84.

Year Expenditure
£
1979–80 1,449,660
1980–81 1,384,555
1981–82 1,584,715
1982–83 1,989,135
1983–84 1,900,689

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he proposes to take steps to improve the level of maintenance of direction signs on motorways; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moore

Our agents carry out weekly safety inspections which include checks on the general condition of signs. Necessary repairs are put in hand. In addition, a detailed inspection of each sign is usually made biennially. Cleaning takes place whenever necessary. These arrangements should be adequate. We shall continue to keep standards under review.