HC Deb 20 February 1989 vol 147 cc479-80W
Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take measures to encourage greater lane discipline in motorway driving.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last year announced a package of measures to improve motorway safety with particular emphasis on improving driving standards. Since then, we have distributed over 2 million copies of the motorway leaflet containing advice on the correct use of lanes. The Department gave its full support and co-operation to the Association of British Insurers, which recently produced a video "Happens All The Time" aimed at 17 to 24-year-olds and concentrating on motorway driving skills.

We are aware of the frustration and danger associated with poor lane discipline. We work hard to encourage safe and considerate use of motorways through the highway code, the manual "Driving", stuffer leaflets, posters and television filler films. We shall not relax our efforts.

We would welcome national and regional television coverage of motorway driving which could raise awareness of good and bad or dangerous habits.