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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions;Highways Agency

Answer

Mr. Chidgey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the sight distance standards for non-signalised junction designs to take account of the perception-reaction characteristics of older drivers. [9295] Ms Jackson: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. David Chidgey, dated 22 July 1997: The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your recent question concerning a possible review of the sight distance standards for non-signalised junction designs to take account of the perception-reaction characteristics of older drivers. The standards issued by the Highways Agency for non-signalled cross-road junctions were reviewed and updated in 1995 and for roundabouts in 1993. UK standards are similar in this respect to most European standards. The sight distance standards in the documents take account of a range of perception-reaction characteristics which includes that of older drivers. Perception-reaction characteristics comprise the time taken to see a sign, feature or hazard, decide what action is necessary, and take action: our standards assume two seconds perception-reaction time. Experience and judgement are important to perceiving and avoiding any potential hazard, though perception-reaction processes slow with advancing age, experience and judgement improve. In 1995 the Highways Agency reviewed whether road design standards should be amended to allow for demographic changes. Our study concluded that at present sight distance standards are appropriate for drivers with the range of perception-reaction characteristics prevalent in the driving population.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

9295; 298 c497W;298 c495W

Session

1997-98

Subjects

Driving Older people Safety Roads Road signs and markings