§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the experiment in Kent and Nottinghamshire with regard to the signposting of local tourist facilities in rural areas will be completed and ready for implementation.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe tourist signposting experiment has already begun in Kent, with the first signs erected in east Kent in late summer this year. Further signs will be erected in the remainder of Kent in time for the next year's tourist season. Detailed proposals from Nottinghamshire are expected shortly and it is hoped that the first signs will be erected there next year. Public reaction to the signs will be monitored, and the results of this will have to be assessed before any conclusions can be reached. This is expected to be in 12 to 18 months' time. It will then be necessary to consult interested organisations before any tourist signs can be implemented on a national basis.
§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any proposals for the signposting of local tourist facilities in national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI have no specific proposals relating to national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, but traffic signs for tourist attractions generally are prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1981. It is up to the local highway authority to decide, in conjuction with the appropriate tourist board, whether or not a particular tourist facility in any area should be 45W signed. My Department has already issued advice on ways of reducing the environmental impact of directional traffic signs.