§ Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will reconsider that aspect of the Traffic 133W Signs Regulations and General Directions 1984 which prohibits repeater signs on a road where there is street lighting. [40276]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994 require repeater signs on unlit roads with a 30 mph limit but do not allow them where there are street lights because the presence of street lights is the indication of a built-up area. In the past, repeater signs were allowed in some 30 mph limits, but this caused enforcement difficulties. Some drivers prosecuted for speeding on roads without repeaters claimed that their absence led them to believe that a 30mph limit did not apply. Were we to permit repeaters on some lit 30 mph roads we would have to require them on all. The reality is that although drivers generally know what speed limit applies some choose to ignore it.