§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 15 January 2003,Official Report, column 627W, on road deaths, whether his Department has specifically requested from the Netherlands (a) figures on accident reductions and (b) details of the effects on traffic flows and the behaviour of road users generally, where traffic lights have been removed. [92609]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Department is in touch with the official responsible for the work in the Netherlands. Accident figures and the effects on traffic flows have been discussed in general terms and we have asked for any formal figures that may be available. It is important to note that a great deal of work has been done to change the appearance of the roads concerned and reduce vehicle speeds as part of influencing drivers' behaviour. More than just the removal of traffic signals is involved and this needs to be considered when looking at accident and traffic flow figures.