HC Deb 17 July 1935 vol 304 cc1034-5
25. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared, when considering making grants under Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 1934, for the installation of pedestrian crossings in the provinces, to modify the standards adopted in the Metropolitan police district where local conditions do not justify such a large number of crossings?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

On 6th June last county boroughs in England and Wales and large burghs in Scotland were informed of the results of the experiment of laying down pedestrian crossings in London including the fact that on four main roads furnished with a complete system of pedestrian crossings and extending from central London to the boundary of the administrative county 339 pedestrians were killed or injured during March and April, 1934 (before any crossings had been laid down on these roads), whereas during the corresponding months of the present year only 189 pedestrians were killed or injured—a reduction of 150 in two months or over 44 per cent. The authorities were also informed that 60 per cent. grants would be available if adequate schemes were submitted before 31st July, and the crossings laid down by 30th September. The test of adequacy must of course have relevance to local conditions and will not in all circumstances be precisely equivalent to the London standard, which is 12 crossings per ten thousand of the population.

Mr. WHITE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some local authorities appear to think that the scale that is appropriate for the Metropolitan area is a rigid one which must apply to them? I assume from his answer that that is not the case.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

That may be so, but at Birkenhead the Chief Constable wished still further to increase the number of crossings. I was glad to observe that enthusiasm for the public safety.

Mr. GUY

Is the right hon. Gentleman insisting on any ratio between controlled and uncontrolled crossings?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

No, it depends on local conditions.

Sir W. BRASS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of not having pedestrian crossings where there are traffic lights, because it causes confusion?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Yes, Sir.