§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport what the recommendations are for the provision of laybys, telephones and toilet facilities on primary routes; whether he is satisfied that his recommendations for roadside facilities are being met by highway authorities; and, if not, what further steps he will take.
§ Mrs. ChalkerOn motorway's, service areas at about 30 mile intervals cater for motorists' needs. Emergency telephones are provided at one mile intervals.
On trunk roads, laybys are provided at frequent intervals depending on the availability of suitable sites and the level of traffic. Toilets are provided, where there is evidence of need, subject to the availability of suitable sites and finance. Telephones are not provided but British Telecom is invited to consider suitable sites.
Provision of facilities on other roads is the responsibility of the local highway authority. I am not dissatisfied with its performance.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Government programme for bypass schemes takes account of the need for telephones and other facilities; and whether he considers that present roadside facilities are sufficient to comply with drivers' hours requirements on primary routes.
§ Mrs. ChalkerBypass schemes are provided both by the Department, on trunk roads, and by local highway authorities. In either case telephones are provided where British Telecom believe they are commercially justified. Laybys and toilets are provided at intervals depending on the evidence of need and the availability of suitable sites. I am satisfied that the existing facilities on trunk roads126W allow compliance with drivers' hours regulations, but this may on occasion involve use of facilities in a bypassed community.