Vol. 430 No. 2
169 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulty being experienced by farmers who are obliged to herd their cattle across national primary routes on a daily basis; and if, in view of the danger which this poses to farmers, motorists and cattle, he will make grant aid available to build road under-passes.
In formulating proposals for major improvements to national primary roads, local authorities have regard to the requirements of farmers in relation to the movement of cattle and where warranted, have incorporated cattle under-passes in the design of new projects. These have been financed as an integral element of the projects concerned from the annual road grants paid by my Department for national roads. I will continue to consider such proposals from local authorities and any proposals submitted to me in respect of existing national primary roads.
Following concerns about safety on a particular road which were conveyed to my Department by a farmers' representative organisation, arrangements have been made for the erection by the local authority concerned of special road signs alerting road users to the movement of cattle. The effectiveness of these signs is currently being evaluated by the authority.
