§ 90. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated cost of putting kerbstones down country lanes; what guidance he gives to local highway authorities on the comparative safety of kerbstones as opposed to grass verges; and, in view of the need for economy in Government spending, if he will advise that this expenditure should either be reduced or eliminated.
§ Mr. Tom FraserIn the case of unclassified roads, which would include country lanes, design standards are a matter for the local highway authorities and no central government expenditure is involved.
For classified roads, my advice to local highway authorities is contained in Memorandum No. 780 "Design of Roads in Rural Areas". This states that kerbs are a useful visual guide and aid to movement, especially at night and in areas subject to fog, and it lays down 227W the circumstances in which different types of kerbing should be provided. I do not propose to vary this advice at present.
Kerbstones are usually provided as part of maintenance or small improvement works. Figures are not readily available for their separate cost.