HC Deb 25 July 1983 vol 46 cc289-90W
Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Transport where are the two road signs reading "Welcome to South Hams" referred to in the answer of 15 July, Official Report, c. 465.

Mrs. Chalker

The signs are now in the motorway maintenance depot at Exeter.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for South Hams on 15 July concerning the road signs on the A38 reading "Welcome to South Hams", when the signs were first erected; why a notice was issued under section 143 of the Highways Act 1980 for their removal; and how much his Department is to pay to Devon county council for removing the signs.

Mrs. Chalker

I am not certain when the signs were provided as they were erected by the South Hams district council. The notice was issued by the Department because the erection of these signs had not been authorised and their installation was contrary to the Department's policy in respect of such signs. The cost of removal was less than £5 as this was carried out with other routine maintenance operations.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now take steps to have the road signs reading "Welcome to South Hams" restored to their original position on the A38.

Mrs. Chalker

No. As stated in answer to one of the other questions on this subject tabled by my hon. Friend for answer today, their provision is contrary to the Department's policy.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will make arrangements for the removal of signs reading "Toilets" on the A38 at Yealampton, in view of the fact that the lavatories concerned were removed in 1981.

Mrs. Chalker

I am not aware of any such signs on the A38 trunk road in this vicinity referring to non-existent facilities.

The hon. Gentleman may be referring to signs situated on the A379 principal road for which Devon county council is the responsible highway authority. It is for the county council to take action to secure their removal.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to have removed the signs on the A38 reading "Welcome to Plymouth".

Mrs. Chalker

No. These signs are considered to be justified as they advise motorists that they are approaching the city.