§ Mr. LamontTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress is being made on the project to replace the road signs on London's primary route network; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThe Highways Agency has awarded a trial contract for the replacement of route direction signs on primary routes in west London, mainly along the A4. This follows extensive consultation carried out by the Highways Agency to develop a signing system which will better serve drivers needing to make journeys within the M25.
The trial contract, which has been awarded to Ringway Ltd., will be used to validate the designs, work methods and materials to be used in the main signing project contracts which follows.
The first of the four main project contracts is due to be let next autumn with a view to the re-signing project being substantially completed by the end of 1997.
Poor signing causes drivers to lose their way, wasting both time and money. The new signs will give clearer, simpler and consistent directions. This important project will help drivers and assist traffic movement in the capital.