§ 44. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to introduce marked crossing-places where pedestrians will, unless held up by a policeman, invariably have the prior right; and, if so, what steps will he take to ensure that the public are made aware of the intention of these regulations?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMarked crossing-places for pedestrians have already been introduced experimentally at various junctions which are not controlled by police or light signals. At these crossings the pedestrian has the right of way at all times. The attention of the public has been drawn to this experiment by notices issued to the Press, broadcasts from the British Broadcasting Corporation, and a number of special articles in the Press.
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYWill the Minister consider having a policeman at each of these experimental crossing-places to explain to the public what is expected from them?
§ Mr. SIMMONDSIn view of the confusion which exists between controlled and uncontrolled crossings and the entirely different obligations on pedestrians and drivers of vehicles which are involved, will the Minister consider having these two types of crossings marked in a conspicuously different manner?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIn regard to the first supplementary question, I have too much respect for the intelligence of the public to assume that they are unable to understand a system which prevails in all the principal capitals of the world. With regard to the second suggestion, I think it has already been adopted. Uncontrolled crossings are marked with a large "C."