HC Deb 15 December 1969 vol 793 cc245-6W
Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the standards prescribed for the measurement and definition of distances during fog; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bob Brown

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to markings designed to assist drivers to assess visibility in bad weather. Cats eyes and white line markings are provided at fixed intervals on motorways and other main roads: these give a sufficient indication of the absence of good visibility provided drivers take reasonable care.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to require the fitting on all vehicles of rear fog lamps and four-way hazard-flashers.

Mr. Bob Brown

I do not think that the compulsory fitting of rear fog lamps could be justified.

We are studying the potential benefits of the four-way flasher in comparison with the advance warning triangle before deciding whether or not either of these devices should be made compulsory.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to require the fitting of dual-intensity stop lights on all vehicles, so that recognition may be improved in fog or poor road visibility conditions.

Mr. Bob Brown

Regulations requiring new vehicles, after a suitable lead in period, to be fitted with dual intensity stop lamps will be made shortly. The Regulations will allow stop lamps to operate at the higher level when used with a foglamp.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister of Transport what have been the results of experimental accident and fog- warning signs installed on the M5 motorway.

Mr. Bob Brown

The results of the experimental warning signs on M5 were encouraging.

Mr right hon. Friend's predecessor therefore decided to provide and improved version of this system on all motorways and this work is now in hand. Systems are already in operation on about 50 miles of motorways. Contracts have been placed for the system on some 190 miles and tenders are being examined on a further 200 miles.