§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what guidelines and duties there are for local authorities on the prompt repair of traffic lights; [98866]
(2) what (a) guidance he gives and (b) duties are laid upon local authorities, to repair defective traffic lights within a specified period. [98445]
§ Mr. JamiesonTechnical Standard TD24, All-Purpose Trunk Roads Inspection and Maintenance of Traffic Signals and Associated Equipment, was produced by the Highways Agency for their roads but also provides guidance to local authorities. It includes reference to non-routine maintenance. Faults causing safety hazards or unacceptable delay to road users should be attended as a matter of urgency with cover available 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Response and repair times will depend on the particular local circumstances and will be subject to contractual arrangements between local authorities and their contractors. TD24 is part of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and is available from the Stationary Office.
Local authorities also have a general duty to secure the "expeditious, convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic (including pedestrians)" under section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.