Motorway Safety (Hansard, 19 April 1988)

§ Mr. Channon

On 7 April I announced the outcome of a review of motorway safety begun shortly before last Christmas. Although motorways remain our safest roads, they account for nearly 250 deaths and 1,600 serious injuries each year. And when accidents occur at high speed the consequences are horrific. In the course of our review we looked at where and why accidents happen, ways of improving driving standards and skills, relevant aspects of road design and equipment, and the scope for improvements to vehicles, with the object of improving features which are particularly important on motorways. In the light of the review, we now propose to take action in the following areas—encouragement and promotion of better driving skills on the motorway, including encouragement to newly qualified drivers to take additional tuition in respect of motorway driving. —introduction of mandatory speed limits at all major motorway contraflows and roadworks, and special requirements for heavy goods vehicles in contraflows. —improved communication with drivers, through more consistent use of matrix signs, and the introduction of new, clearer versions of the "lane restriction" and "end of restriction" signs. —changes to some regulations and standards for vehicle lighting, and improvements to measures to prevent vehicle fires. —improvements to the design and protection of roadside features, to make them safer in the event of accidents.

I have also published, and shall be widely distributing, a new leaflet advising motorists on safe motorway driving. I am arranging for copies of this leaflet, and the pamphlet giving fuller details of all the measures to be placed in the Library of the House.