§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve road markings and signposting; and if he will make a statement. [17362]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe placing and maintenance of road signs and markings is the responsibility of the traffic authority—in Scotland, the local traffic authority for local roads, and the Scottish Office Development Department on behalf of the Secretary of State for Scotland for trunk roads and motorways. The signs and markings used are required to conform with regulations, principally the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions—TSRGD—1994, made jointly by the Secretaries of State for Transport, for Scotland and for Wales, or to be specially authorised by the Secretary of State. The Department of Transport is currently preparing a statutory instrument to amend the TSRGD to include new sign designs in response to changing traffic management needs and techniques. Work is also in hand to update the joint guidance published by the three Departments on the correct design and use of signs.