§ 52. Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport, in view of the road safety benefits produced in the United States of America as a result of the federally funded programme of centre and edge of carriageway road markings introduced in 1973, if he will provide funds for a similar programme of edge lining in Great Britain in non-built up areas to achieve comparable results.
§ Mr. HoramWe are aware that 531 miles of State highway in Idaho were equipped with edge lines and that by 1973 accidents were reduced by 18 per cent. Trials in other countries have been less encouraging, and the large reduction of accidents achieved in Idaho might not be repeated in the United Kingdom because the most hazardous lengths of main roads are already likely to have their edges marked. My Department has advised the use of carriageway markings for many years, and centre and edge lines in their present form have been prescribed in this country since 1964. Highway authorities already use road markings where they believe the greatest accident savings will be obtained. My right hon. Friend sees 713W no reason to provide special central funds for this purpose.