§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to extend mandatory speed limits where roadworking is in operation to those roads for which local authorities are the highways authority.
§ Mr. AtkinsLocal highway authorities already have the power to introduce mandatory speed limits at roadworks where they consider it appropriate.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures, other than mandatory speed limits, are in force to ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists where road repairs and maintenance are being carried out.
§ Mr. AtkinsIn addition to any speed limit, measures to ensure safety at roadworks, both for road users and workers, comprise provision of proper signing and traffic management together with maintenance of an appropriate safety zone between moving traffic and the works. Advice on the signing of roadworks is given in chapter 8 of the traffic signs manual. A report prepared jointly by the Department of Transport, the County Surveyors Society and the Health and Safety Executive provides guidance for ensuring the safety of personnel undertaking works.