§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on provisions relating to warning signs at fords in the light of the incident at Knowes farm, East Linton, on 5 March; and if he will take steps to ensure that depth gauges are provided in association with such warnings where there is a possibility of dangerous flood conditions.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 12 March 1991]: The tragic loss of a young life as a result of the incident at Knowes farm, East Linton on 5 March, involving a car drifting down the River Tyne while crossing the ford, is very much to be regretted.
There is already a prescribed road sign to warn people of the existence of a ford. Roads authorities are at liberty to instal such signs without seeking the Secretary of State's consent. A prescribed gauge for indicating water depth at a ford is also available for use by roads authorities without the need for consent. Where it is felt that in particular circumstances further information should be provided in signs for road users the roads authority may seek the Secretary of State's authorisation for departures from the prescribed sign. The Scottish Office will respond as promptly as possible to any application for authorisation.
I would expect authorities to consider carefully whether depth gauges would be needed for fords in their areas.