§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on permitting civilians to direct vehicles on public highways; and if he will make a statement. [139945]
§ Mr. JamiesonThere are limited circumstances in which civilians can direct vehicles on public highways. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given today (ref. 139944). In developing its role as a network operator, as announced by the Secretary of State for Transport in his statement to the House on 20 June 2003, the need was identified for civilian traffic officers working on the trunk road network, around the clock to keep traffic flowing. This followed a review undertaken by the Agency, in partnership with the Association of Chief Police Officers, of both organisations roles and responsibilities for traffic management. This concluded that responsibility for a number of tasks associated with traffic management should transfer from the police to the Highways Agency. In order to develop its role the Highways Agency needs new, limited, traffic management powers and is preparing the necessary legislation.
The Highways Agency continues to work in partnership with the police and has held discussions with representatives of primary stakeholders, including constabularies, road contractors, County Surveyors Society, AA and RAC.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the SPECS electronic signs on the M4 between junction 4 and junction 15 contain cameras which(a) read vehicle number plates, (b) compute vehicle speeds and (c) are used to issue speeding tickets; and if he will make a statement. [139948]
§ Mr. JamiesonThere is no camera equipment located on the M4 between junctions 4 and 15 that is capable of(a) reading vehicle number plates, (b) computing vehicle speeds in order to (c) issue speeding tickets.