HC Deb 22 February 1956 vol 549 c50W
Captain Corfield

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to take steps to ensure that in future where the visibility on roads divided into three traffic lanes is restricted either by alignment or contour, the right to overtake by using the centre traffic lane should be restricted to traffic travelling in one direction only, and that clear directions to that effect should be displayed on the stretches of road concerned.

Mr. Watkinson

I am considering experiments with a wider range of road markings to control overtaking. The first essential is that any such markings should be clear and that their purport should be unmistakable and easily understood by drivers. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that on roads in this country it is rarely practicable at bends to retain three lanes; vehicles need more room to manoeuvre at bends and it is better to divide the carriageway into two lanes only. At humps and dips which restrict visibility an overtaking lane would only be safe if the driver using it could rely on complete compliance by the opposing driver.