HL Deb 02 December 1980 vol 415 cc387-8WA
The Marquess of Ailesbury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many occasions since the general election the Department of Transport has authorised the erection in open country of deer warning signs; and what considerations persuaded them that this was desirable.

The Earl of Avon

None, although three sites have been so approved in England which are not in open country. Sites are approved where the possibility of wild animals, other than horses, straying on to the road is sufficiently frequent to present a danger to road users.

I regret that it was not made clear in my Answer to the noble Marquess's previous Question on 13th November that the approval of my honourable friend the Minister of Transport for the siting of this sign is required only when it is to be placed on a motorway, trunk road or principal road. In other cases, it is the responsibility of the local highway authority.