Measures to promote road safety at railway and other bridges

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

This is another eminently sensible clause. We want to ensure that we put in place preventive measures that reduce the risk of incidents at railway or other bridges crossing highways by requiring local authorities to install warning systems. The clause is a sensible preventive measure and the Opposition are happy to support it.

Once again, my advice will be that the clause should not stand part of the Bill. Local authorities already have powers to restrict certain types of traffic on certain roads and to put in place all the necessary measures to protect bridges. The fact that powers are not being used is no good reason for us to legislate to provide more powers which presumably will be just as little used. We need to ensure that local authorities and others are aware of their duties and their powers and that they use them more rigorously in future. I entirely agree with the intent behind the clause, but it is not necessary and we can achieve its objective with the existing laws.

Question put, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

The Committee divided: Ayes 5, Noes 9.

Question accordingly negatived.

Clause 52 disagreed to.