Written question asked by Ben Chapman (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 April 2005. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 21st February, Official Report, column 346W, on roadside advertising, if he will make a statement on the methodology used to evaluate whether roadside advertisements are a cause of road accidents; pursuant to the Answer of 21st February, Official Report, column 346W, on roadside advertising, whether (a) car drivers, (b) bus drivers and (c) drivers of heavy goods vehicles were consulted as part of the research into whether roadside advertisements contributed to road accidents; pursuant to the Answer of 21st February, Official Report, column 346W, on roadside advertising, if he will commission a full study into the potential for distraction by temporary wheeled billboards placed next to motorways.

Answer: Mr. Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 21 February 2005, Official Report, column 346W, on roadside advertising, (1) if he will make a statement on the methodology used to evaluate whether roadside advertisements are a cause of road accidents; [224800] (2) whether (a) car drivers, (b) bus drivers and (c) drivers of heavy goods vehicles were consulted as part of the research into whether roadside advertisements contributed to road accidents; [224801] (3) if he will commission a full study into the potential for distraction by temporary wheeled billboards placed next to motorways. [224802] Mr. Jamieson: Studies have been carried out into the effect of the presence of roadside advertisements and other potential distractions to road accidents. It is, however, difficult to derive a direct causal relationship because accidents are often the result of several factors. Studies have also monitored the duration of drivers' eye movements from the road to roadside distractions, including signs, which provides an indicator of accident potential. I am not aware of any specific consultation with drivers that has been undertaken as part of the research. I do not propose to commission a study on the potential for distraction of temporary wheeled billboards placed next to motorways. It is for local planning authorities to use their enforcement powers to remove unlawfully displayed advertisements.

Secondary information