HC Deb 10 April 1935 vol 300 cc1136-7
20. Mr. TINKER

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the uncertainty of pedestrians when crossing at the beacon places, he will consider sending some of the officials of his Department to watch at some of the principal crossings and to make a report to him of what they think is necessary to give more confidence both to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have already adopted the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the habit of motorists of waving on pedestrians without slackening speed, and will he draw the attention of motorists to the fact that they should slow down on approaching a pedestrian crossing on which there are pedestrians?

Mr. TINKER

Will the hon. Gentleman send his officials to the bottom of Kingsway, where he will find three crossings and will get evidence of what I am trying to convey? Pedestrians do not know what to do, and the drivers keep them out by following close together.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I hope that mutual courtesy and consideration will in the end solve this problem.

Mr. JOHN WILMOT

Is the Minister aware that much of the confusion arises from the lack of visibility of the beacons to drivers?

34. Mr. GUY

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent the local authorities have responded to his invitation to prepare and submit schemes for pedestrian crossings to him for his approval?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Outside the London traffic area, schemes have been submitted to me by 299 local authorities in England and Wales, and 23 in Scotland.