HC Deb 23 June 2004 vol 422 cc1405-6W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has to ensure the safety of(a) workers and (b) drivers in areas of extensive road works in the Midlands this year. [179825]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 22 June 2004]: The Highways Agency has established the Safer Temporary Traffic Management Operations Initiative to improve safety for both road workers and road users and to raise safety standards in the industry. This initiative involves the Health and Safety Executive, the Scottish Executive, Northern Ireland Roads Service and industry representatives, and is producing improved safety guidance for road workers and is ensuring that consistent best practice is employed.

The initiative is developing a testing new and innovative technology, equipment and procedures that could offer safety benefits for both road workers and road users. The Highways Agency is working with contractors and HSE to produce training videos for road workers and their employers.

Safety of workers and drivers is given high priority when any road works are undertaken. The Highways Agency is promoting a "Safer Driving Through Road Works" campaign aimed at increasing driver awareness of the need to drive safely through road works. The campaign has secured a significant amount of television airtime and more than 100,000 car window stickers reinforcing the message have been distributed. The Agency's information leaflets include six key messages for driving safely through road works.

The message was further reinforced in a recent "Traffic Information Leaflet" about roadworks in the Midlands, which has been widely distributed, and through a video shown at various shows including the Motor Show.