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Mini Roundabouts: "Filter in Turn" Signs
Lord Donaldson of Lymington asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they have any evidence to show that the display of "Filter in Turn" signs at mini roundabouts contributes to a reduction in road rage; and, if so, whether they will encourage highway authorities to display such signs. [HL4286]
Lord Davies of Oldham: We have no evidence to suggest that road safety would be improved if drivers were required to filter in turn rather than give way to traffic from the right at mini roundabouts. However, we have commissioned research to produce guidance aimed at ensuring that mini roundabouts are designed so that they will be used appropriately and safely.
Speed Limit Signs
Lord Donaldson of Lymington asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether, in light of the need for drivers to concentrate on the carriageway ahead rather than on its verges, they will encourage highway authorities to place reminders of speed limitations on the carriageway itself. [HL4287]
Lord Davies of Oldham: Local highway authorities already have powers to place carriageway speed limit roundels on their roads. However, carriageway roundels must be placed adjacent to upright speed limit signs as their visibility can be obscured by snow or other adverse weather conditions.
Heathrow Airport: Third Runway
Lord Stoddart of Swindon asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What assessment they have made of the health implications of constructing a third runway at Heathrow. [HL4290]
Lord Davies of Oldham: All of the runway options consulted on, including a possible third runway at Heathrow, have been assessed across a wide range of impacts, including in particular noise and local air quality, in accordance with the appraisal framework previously agreed and published. The details were set out in the consultation documents and supporting papers. Wider health implications of airport development are also being taken into account, consistent with Department of Health guidelines for health impact assessment.
Lord Stoddart of Swindon asked Her Majesty's Government:
- How they plan to complete an assessment of how European Union limits on nitrogen dioxide will be achieved in the event that the proposal for a third runway at Heathrow Airport is approved before the publication of the aviation White Paper. [HL4292]
Lord Davies of Oldham: The EU limit values for nitrogen dioxide are not source specific: aviation is one of several sources that has to be considered for compliance purposes. The Government have undertaken an assessment of air quality impacts associated with Heathrow options in the consultation document The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South East. That document states "Another runway at Heathrow could not be considered unless the Government could be confident that levels of all relevant pollutants could be consistently contained within EU limits". Subsequent consideration of options and consultation response evidence for Heathrow and other airports is being undertaken in full knowledge of the UK environmental commitments.
Lord Stoddart of Swindon asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they plan to complete an assessment on how to reduce traffic congestion around Heathrow Airport, if the proposal for a third runway is approved before the publication of the aviation White Paper. [HL4293]
Lord Davies of Oldham: For all the development options in The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South East consultation, the impacts on the strategic road and rail networks were appraised. The consultation indicated, for each option, where enhancements to the networks might be needed to cater for the increased number of passengers and employees accessing the airports. We are considering responses to the consultation.
For any option which is supported by Government in the air transport White Paper, it will be for the developer to submit a full and detailed planning application supported by a robust surface access strategy.
Heathrow Airport: Air Quality
Lord Stoddart of Swindon asked Her Majesty's Government:
- How they plan to assess new studies of air quality in the Heathrow area which have emerged since the publication of the Future Development of Air
- Transport in the United Kingdom: South East consultation document. [HL4291]
Lord Davies of Oldham: Studies and research undertaken into air quality in the Heathrow area in support of responses to the consultation and separately are being rigorously assessed as part of the overall analysis. The Government are drawing upon expert advice in assessing this evidence.
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