HC Deb 30 July 1934 vol 292 cc2258-9
101. Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police-controlled pedestrian crossings there are in the Metropolitan area; whether the same officer ever has to control two or three at the same time or whether each crossing is controlled by a separate officer; and at what time of the day the police control commences and at what hour of the evening it ceases?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)

There are 126 pedestrian crossing-places in the Metropolitan area controlled wholly by police and two controlled partly by police and partly by traffic signals. In a number of cases the same police officer controls two crossing-places at one junction according to the movements of traffic. Police control at the crossing-places is in the majority of cases from 8 a.m. until 12 midnight, but in some instances it commences a little later and in some it ceases a little earlier.

Sir W. BRASS

Is it not a fact that a police officer sometimes controls as many as three or four pedestrian crossings, and, in order to simplify matters, would not my right hon. Friend consider putting a policeman at every crossing or making every pedestrian crossing a pedestrian's right of way?

109. Mr. SIMMONDS

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the erection of signs bearing the letter C is inadequate to differentiate between controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings; and whether in the interests of public safety, he will have these two types of crossings painted upon the roadway in an unquestionably distinctive manner?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr.Hore-Belisha)

The present arrangements are experimental, and I am watching them closely with a view to making such alterations as experience may show to be desirable in the interests of public safety. My hon. Friend's suggestion of distinctive markings has naturally not been overlooked but it must be remembered at many junctions control is not continuous throughout the day and that it is open to practical difficulty on this ground.

Sir W. BRASS

Is my hon. Friend aware that the great advantage of these pedestrian crossings is the number of them, and their simplicity?

Mr. GLOSSOP

With regard to the safety provided for pedestrians by these white lines, will the Minister make some public pronouncement as to whether "on the line" is to be "in" or "out"?