Robert Goodwill tackled Geoff Hoon, the Secretary of State for Transport, after being staggered by the number of signs on the road between Scarborough and York.

He said: "I just wondered how many road traffic and other accidents had been caused by vehicles hitting overhead lines on that stretch of road during the past three months. I was also intrigued as to just how many signs there were."

The MP tabled a written question in the House of Commons asking how many of the orange and black signs there were and what they cost.
He also asked what risk assessment was carried out before the posts were put up.

He was told by Parliamentary Under Secretary Paul Clark that 424 signs had been put up at the cost of £50,000 since January.

In a written reply, Mr Clark told the Shadow Minister for Transport: "There have been no road traffic accidents or other incidents on the A64 Scarborough to York road caused by or involving vehicles hitting overhead lines in the last three months."

He added: "A project specific risk assessment was undertaken to identify a safe method of erection and maintenance of these signs. Prior to any maintenance activity on the A64, a scheme specific risk assessment is undertaken to identify hazards, including overhead power cables, and to ensure risks to road workers are mitigated.

"The marker posts also enable the emergency services to more easily identify overhead power lines as part of their risk assessment when attending an incident."

Mr Goodwill added: "I'm sure we could have found a better way to spend £50,000!"