§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will announce the results of his review of tourism signing and proposals for deregulation. [18054]
§ Mr. WattsI have been reviewing, in close collaboration with the Department of National Heritage, and the Welsh and Scottish Offices, the policy and regulations dealing with the provision of white and brown tourist traffic signs on local authority roads. We have concluded that there should be much more flexibility in the provision of signs, to help tourists and tourist businesses. In particular we have decided that the definition of tourist establishments eligible for signs should be extended to a wider range of destinations and facilities that attract or are used by visitors, including retail and catering establishments. This will involve an amendment of the existing Traffic Signs Regulations, and we are about to consult further on specific proposals for an amending statutory instrument. Copies of the consultation documents for England including revised draft guidance to local authorities, will be placed in the Library on 3 April.