Written question asked by Lord True (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Attlee (Conservative) on Monday, 30 April 2012.

Roads: Distance Marker Posts

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government why kilometre-calibrated distance posts have been placed along United Kingdom motorways; under what authority or regulation these markers have been erected; how many markers have been placed in all; and at what total cost to date.

Answer: Marker posts are provided on UK motorways and indicate the direction of the nearest emergency roadside telephone as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002. They include a unique locational reference, which enables road workers to identify sections of carriageway to assist with the management of the motorway network. Records detailing the specific quantities and cost of all distance marker posts are not readily available, as they are provided and maintained as part of ongoing road maintenance and improvement schemes.

Secondary information