§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safety initiatives he has researched for the construction of new roads.
§ Mr. AtkinsThere is a continuing programme of research into methods of improving road safety. The results are applied to existing as well as to new roads.
Recent safety research has resulted in improvements to traffic signs and signals; better road layout and junction design; skid resistant surfaces; more widespread use of safety fencing; and better road markings. In addition, following research, the Department will shortly be introducing systematic independent safety audits of the design of its new roads.