HC Deb 05 November 1934 vol 293 cc648-9
83. Sir W. BRASS

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the confusion which still exists in the public mind as to the exact rights of pedestrians and drivers at pedestrian crossings in the Metropolitan area, he will give special instructions to the police on traffic duty at these points to control both the pedestrians and the vehicles, and if necessary increase the number of police control points at peak periods of the day or night when pedestrian and vehicular traffic is at its height.

Sir J. GILMOUR

The police have had full instructions as to their duties when controlling traffic at points where pedestrian crossings have been installed, and I think that the general experience is that the police are very helpful in indicating to pedestrians when to cross and when not to cross. The number of constables employed at traffic points is already greater at peak periods than at other times.

Sir W. BRASS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in certain parts of the Metropolis the police are stationed on the pavement at controlled crossings simply to watch and see whether the regulations are complied with or not, and do not control the traffic or the pedestrians?