§ 6. Mr. HANNONasked the Home Secretary whether he has received any representations in regard to placing a refuge in the road between St. Margaret's Church and Parliament Square; whether this particular position has been considered by the London Traffic Committee since 18th February, when attention was called to the matter; and what is the number of accidents at that point reported by the police?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSA suggestion to this effect was recently made by a private person. The question has not, I understand, been considered by the Traffic Committee since the date mentioned, but in view of the alterations to the kerb line at the south-east corner of the square which are now in hand, the question whether one or more small refuges can be erected with advantage will be taken up. The number of accidents reported since the Regulations came into force are as follow:
1392 At the south-east corner 21, including slight personal injury to three pedestrians.
At the south-west corner 12, including slight personal injury to one pedestrian.
Between these two points 16, including a fatal accident to a cyclist and slight personal injury to two pedestrians.
§ Mr. HANNONWould the Home Secretary accelerate as much as he can the consideration of this question by the Committee to which it has been referred, in order to have the safety of the public provided for at this spot?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will do all I can in that direction.
§ Sir HERBERT NIELDIn conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, will the right hon. Gentleman frame some Regulations to prevent motorists in Parliament Square from changing their line of traffic, and thereby causing very great danger to pedestrians endeavouring to get over the road.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think if the Minister of Transport in conjunction with myself decide upon some small safety stand, we may get over the difficulty, but the whole matter is being very carefully considered both by the Ministry of Transport and the Committee.