§ 57. Sir W. BRASSasked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to avoid the confusion which exists in the minds of certain pedestrians when attempting to cross some of the streets at points where traffic lights are in operation in the metropolis, he will consider the possibility of adding small green and red pedestrian lights on the columns of the signal standards facing the pavements with "Cross" and "Do not Cross" written on them and synchronised with the traffic lights?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)This question was carefully considered in detail by the recent Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs, and their views and the reasons for them are set out in paragraph 146 of their report. Their conclusion is that, in general, pedestrians should watch the movement of traffic and not rely entirely on signals. If pedestrian signals were provided in connection with traffic lights at road intersections, all the streams of traffic would have to be stopped to ensure 28 to the pedestrian the complete safety implied by a signal instruction to cross the road, and considerable dislocation of traffic would be inevitable.
§ Sir W. BRASSIs my hon. and gallant Friend not aware that the pedestrians do not actually look at the traffic signals and that a very large number of accidents would be prevented if there were lights positively for pedestrians showing when they could cross and when they could not?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThat is a matter of opinion. I can only speak for one pedestrian; I keep a very close look out for all signals.
§ Vice-Admiral TAYLORIs it not the case that at these crossing-places pedestrians can see the red and green traffic lights?