§ 55. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that drivers of motor cars are fined if they drive on when there is a red light against them, but that no proceedings are taken against pedestrians who cross the road under similar circumstances, thereby endangering both themselves and the motor traffic which has been signalled to proceed; and whether steps will be taken to deal with this?
Mr. STANLEYThe primary purpose of light signals is to control vehicular traffic which is bound by law to obey them. I do not think it would at present be practicable to impose a corresponding obligation on pedestrians. At road junctions controlled by light signals pedestrians should be guided by the movement of vehicles and not solely by the indications given by the signals.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my hon. Friend aware that frequently when motor cars are signalled on by the green light just at that moment pedestrians cross the road and the motor driver has to jam on his brakes, or swerve with the result that other cars behind run into him causing great danger to life and limb, not only to pedestrians crossing the road but to people in other cars and to other pedestrians who remain on the pavement in obedience to the light?
Mr. STANLEYI agree that great risk is run when pedestrians cross without careful consideration, and I would recommend them to follow the example of the right hon. Gentleman opposite.