HC Deb 22 December 1988 vol 144 cc410-1W
Mr. Amos

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will approve the use of wire rope safety fences on trunk roads.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

A design of wire rope safety fence that has been demonstrated as fully complying with the current standard for safety fencing has been developed by British Ropes Ltd. Representatives of the Department have witnessed the demonstrations. A detailed specification for the use of this design on trunk roads is being prepared. It is intended to introduce formally this type of fence as soon as practicable, subject to its notification to the European Commission and other member states as required under European law.

Neither this type of safety fence nor the tensioned corrugated bean safety fence currently in use on our roads is designed to contain vehicles heavier than 1.5 tonnes. The main aim is to contain cars—the great majority of vehicles on our roads. Fences designed to retain heavier vehicles might do more damage to cars.