§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (i) traffic cones and (ii) road signs have been stolen in the last year; at what cost; what plans his Department has to try to reduce such figures; and if he will make a statement. [8316]
§ Mr. WattsTraffic management at roadworks is provided under contract and it is the contractor's responsibility to take action to prevent theft of his equipment. No central record is kept of thefts of traffic cones or temporary road signs. We are not aware of any cases of theft of permanent road signs on the trunk road network. I understand that some local highway authorities have experienced problems and are dealing with them. This is a matter for the authorities concerned.