HC Deb 03 April 1935 vol 300 cc346-8
21. Captain STRICKLAND

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has given consideration to the desirability of prohibiting the exhibition of red lights and signs on the roads other than those indicating danger or warning signals?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

Section 48 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, already directs highway authorities to require the removal of any object which so closely resembles a traffic sign that it might reasonably be taken to be such a sign. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular lights or signs on roads in mind and will communicate with me, I will take up the matter immediately. There is, however, no power to remove lights or signs of any kind simply because they may be visible from a road.

Captain STRICKLAND

Has the Minister of Transport in his own experience of the roads come across the difficulties which arise when these red lights in the distance appear to be danger signals?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Yes, Sir, and I am glad to do anything within the powers Parliament has conferred upon me. If there are any special lights that the hon. and gallant Member has in mind, I will attend to them, but I cannot go outside my powers.

Captain STRICKLAND

Does my hon. Friend realise the difficulty which rests on one individual Member in calling attention to special lights, when he must know the general case?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

If there is any further legislation to be undertaken, that is certainly a point which will be borne in mind.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Is it not the case that these red lights are used for advertising purposes by tradesmen on main roads, and will the hon. Gentleman make a statement as to the undesirability of using lights of this kind which confuse the public?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

It is undesirable that any lights should be used in such a position as to cause confusion to motorists, and I hope that those who are inclined to use them will desist.

Mr. EVERARD

Is the Minister aware that in sonic municipalities tram stop lights cause great confusion to motorists and will he take steps to see that they are taken away?

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Is it not the case that anybody can call attention to lights that are confusing, and that it is not necessary for Members of Parliament to call attention to them.