Road Signs (Hansard, 10 June 1998)

§ Mr. Maclean
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to(a) evaluate and (b) introduce the Scottish Strungbow type road signs. [44861]

§ Ms Glenda Jackson
These signs indicate that road users can leave and rejoin a main road via a bypassed town or village. They were included in the Traffic Signs Regulations 1994, and can therefore be used by English traffic authorities as appropriate.

§ Mr. Prior
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on proposals for reducing the number of road signs in rural areas. [44482]

§ Ms Glenda Jackson
It is for the relevant highway authority to decide how many signs are necessary or appropriate in the light of local circumstances. The hon. Member will know, from the debate he initiated on 18 March 1998,Official Report, column 1258–61, that studies are underway which are intended to produce researched recommendations on good design practice for rural traffic management. The CTMG demonstration projects, announced by the Minister for Transport on 31 March 1998, Official Report, column 494–95, include an assessment of the effects of removing or repositioning signs from roads on Dartmoor, but the results are not expected to be published before the end of next year.

§ Mr. Prior
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the restrictions on the use of fibre optic traffic signs. [44483]

§ Ms Glenda Jackson
All traffic signs used in this country must conform with the requirements of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994 (SI 1519) or be specially authorised by the Secretary of State. The TSRGD do not specify any particular technology for variable signs, but fibre optic and other light emitting signs are required to meet the Secretary of State's requirements for optical performance and safety. New designs of light emitting variable signs, actuated by vehicles travelling at excessive speed, have been specially authorised at sites in North Norfolk and elsewhere as part of a monitored experiment, which is still in progress, to assess their effect on reducing speeds and improving safety.