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Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Thursday, 17 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 June 2004. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 June 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question
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. - Includes ref to Safer Temporary Traffic Management Operations Initiative and Highways Agency "Safer Driving Through Road Works" campaign. (Holding answer 22 June 2004).
Answer

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 and 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.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
179825; 422 c1405-6W
Session
2003-04
Subjects
Driving Health and safety Publicity Staff Training Safety Safety measures Roads Repairs and maintenance West Midlands M6
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk