§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in theOfficial Report those motorways, or sections of motorways, that are fitted with matrix indicators which permit written messages to be conveyed on them; and what plans he has for extending this facility to all motorways.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyMatric indicators are now fitted on almost all sections of motorway in England. The few remaining sections will have similar facilities as soon as practicable. The messages that the indicators currently display for incidents and occasionally for inclement weather are advice on recommended speeds and lane closures.
Enhancements are under way to add some written text messages, within the limits of the indicator size. These include replacing the 'end of restriction' symbol with the word "End" and the automatic display (on the M25) of the word "Fog" when visibility is automatically detected to have fallen below pre-determined limits.
Recent developments in sign technology offer the opportunity to display longer written text messages on variable message signs. These are now being used at specific locations where this ability is worth while.
Information about the position on motorways in Wales and Scotland is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland respectively.