§ Viscount Simonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that local authorities remove unauthorised signs and advertisements from roads under their control. [HL592]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Whitty)Local traffic authorities in England and Wales, and roads authorities in Scotland, have a statutory duty to promote road safety, and powers to remove unlawful signs and advertisements. We expect that unauthorised signs and other advertisements will be removed wherever practicable, but it is for the local authorities themselves to consider what action to take in particular cases. The Secretary of State has a default power to require and effect the removal of unauthorised signs for the guidance or direction of traffic, but it would not be appropriate to exercise this on a routine basis.
§ Viscount Simonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking on the trunk road network to remove unauthorised signs and advertisements which might distract drivers and damage the visual environment. [HL591]
§ Lord WhittyWe take very seriously our responsibilities to maintain a safe trunk road network and to avoid any unnecessary adverse impact on the environment. We inspect the trunk road network regularly and take all practical measures to ensure that unauthorised signs are not left in place.