HC Deb 02 July 2002 vol 388 cc199-200W
14. John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what alternatives to speed cushions his Department is investigating. [63726]

Mr. Jamieson

The Department has an extensive programme of road safety research covering a wide range of topics including development and evaluation of a variety of road humps and traffic calming works designed to reduce road accidents and encourage improved driving styles. Full details of current research and summaries of results of completed research are provided in a Road Safety Research Compendium, which is available on the Department's website and in the Library of the House.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to change the policy in relation to the use of speed limit repeater signs; and if he will make a statement. [65781]

Mr. Jamieson

Local authorities are required to sign all speed limits where the speed limit has been created by way of a speed limit order. The exemptions are where the road is a restricted road (30mph indicated by a system of street lighting) where repeater signs are strictly prohibited, or on roads where the national speed limit applies.

However, we are looking at signing as part of the overall package on developing improved speed management. The issue of speed limit repeater signs will form part of our considerations.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance he gives on the visibility of speed cameras. [65780]

Mr.Jamieson

Visibility rules for those areas participating in the safety camera netting off scheme were announced on 3 December 2001. These state that fixed site camera housings should be clearly signed and made visible by being painted or marked in yellow. Mobile enforcement units should also be clearly marked and visible to drivers. Areas currently outside the netting off scheme would need to comply with all the visibility requirements as a condition of joining.