HC Deb 19 April 1988 vol 131 cc403-5W
Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the frequency of monitoring the skid resistance of trunk roads and motorways within the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

On 19 January we announced a new policy which now requires the Department's agents to carry out a routine skid resistance survey on all trunk roads and motorways over a three-year period. This will make the best use of the limited number of specialist machines which are available during the summer survey period and the funds available for this work.

Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what type of material and seal coats are used to provide the necessary skidding-resistance on the trunk roads and motorways in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The type of material and seal coats used to provide skidding resistance on trunk roads and motorways will vary according to the condition of the road, the volumes of traffic using the road and particular characteristics of the site to be treated. The type of treatment chosen for a particular site is a matter of judgment for the local maintenance agent in discussion with the Department's regional office.