§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what rules and regulations govern the erection of directional signage on or near public highways by businesses to assist drivers to locate hotels and tourist attractions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe erection of advertisements on or near a public road is controlled under482W provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 and the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (Scotland) Regulations 1984 and to the extent that they may represent an obstruction, under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. Where the advertisements are intended to give directions to motorists they are also subject to the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
Road signs giving directions to hotels and tourist attractions may be erected by traffic authorities. Such road signs are subject to the provisions of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1981 and to any relevant directions made by the Secretary of State. Circular No. 3/1992 "Tourist Signposting", a copy of which has been placed in the Library, provides advice and guidance to local authorities on the circumstances in which such direction signs may be appropriate.