§ 42. Major G. DAVIESasked the Minister of Transport the number of accidents which have occurred to pedestrians at places where the gyratory system of traffic has been introduced during the periods for three months prior to and three months subsequent to the introduction of the system at each point?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Report by the London Traffic Advisory Committee on Street Accidents in Greater London, and, in particular, to Table 1879 XXI on page 27 of that Report, which gives a comparative summary of the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents at places where the "roundabout" system of traffic working has been put into operation. Copies of the Report are available at the Vote Office.
§ Colonel DAYIs it not a fact that the roundabout system is working very satisfactorily?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, I think it is working, on the whole, very satisfactorily. Although there has been somewhat of an increase in the non-fatal accidents where it has been put into operation, the number of fatal accidents has been very much reduced.
§ Mr. REMERHas the Minister's attention been called to the state of Parliament Square, where it is practically impossible to cross the street, even at the places which are marked?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI entirely disagree with my hon. Friend as to that. If he will follow the notices, I think he will get across with perfect safety.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs my right hon. Friend aware that as a rule it is only Members of this House who are wearing silk hats who get these special facilities?