§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Circular which will explain the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 will provide guidance to highway authorities on avoiding sign clutter in the countryside; and when it will be published. [98027]
§ Mr JamiesonDfT Circular 02/2003 was published on 31 January. It explains the differences between the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2002 and the TSRGD 1994 that they replace. It does not contain guidance on sign clutter. However the Department will be publishing updated guidance later this year which will remind signing practitioners that signs should be used sparingly whether in the countryside or in towns. The revised Chapter 4 of the Traffic Signs Manual, on the use of warning signs, which we expect to publish in the summer, will provide advice on how to provide effective signing while minimising environmental intrusion. Revised guidance on the use of directional signs to tourist destinations will remind local authorities of the need to minimise the environmental impacts of signs, particularly in rural areas.