§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fords there are in Scotland where public roads cross watercourses; how many fatal or serious accidents have occurred in each of the last 10 years as a result of vehicles failing to negotiate water on fords on public roads; if he will list fords which have been closed to traffic following such accidents; and what is his Department's policy towards fords and the provision of warning to motorists when water conditions may be dangerous.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 6 May 1993]: Information is not held centrally as to the number of fords in Scotland on public roads, the number of fatal or serious accidents at fords, nor the number of fords closed to traffic following such accidents.
Roads authorities have a duty to manage and maintain the roads for which they are responsible, including any fords on these roads, to allow for the safe and convenient movement of traffic.
There are prescribed signs to warn of the existence of a ford and of the depth of water. Roads authorities are at liberty to instal such signs without seeking the Secretary of State's consent. Where it is felt that particular circumstances require further warning signs to be erected, roads authorities may seek the Secretary of State's authorisation for non-standard signs.