§ 80. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there has never been any congestion or stoppage of wheeled transport in the vicinity of the Queen Victoria Memorial opposite Buckingham Palace; and if he will state the reason for adopting the gyratory system of traffic control at this point involving needless inconvenience and danger to pedestrians and additional expense in the matter of police supervision?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe gyratory system of traffic control has been proved to be advantageous both abroad and in this country, at traffic junctions where the lay-out is suitable, in facilitating the movement of traffic and in reducing accidents. In my opinion the junction at the Victoria Memorial is suitable for the purpose, and the system has been put into operation there experimentally. The period of trial has not yet been sufficient to show its effect on the number of accidents. It is proposed to erect illuminated traffic signs which, it is hoped, will result in a reduction in the number of police employed on traffic duty at this point.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my right hon. Friend aware that no criticism was made on the question of the principle of gyratory control, but is it not a fact that gyratory control is in a place where congestion has occurred, and that no congestion has occurred in the vicinity of the Queen Victoria Memorial?
Captain A. EVANSIs it not a fact that no accidents of any kind have occurred since the new system has been in operation?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAs I have already pointed out, this system is only in the experimental stage.
§ Captain BRASSIs it not a fact that the danger to pedestrians is far less under the new system, because they have only to look one way for the traffic.