HC Deb 19 June 1935 vol 303 cc351-2
36. Mr. GLEDHILL

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to save confusion, he will remove the pedestrian crossing beacons at places where traffic light systems are installed?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am not aware that any confusion has arisen but I will willingly investigate any particular case which my hon. Friend has in mind.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the point that a pedestrian arriving at a crossing marked with studs imagines it to be a safe place at which to cross and, therefore, is inclined to neglect the protection of the police or lights, and, in these circumstances, will he have crossings marked only at places where there is no other means of control?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

There must be places where the police are on duty at certain hours of the day and not at certain other hours, and, therefore, it would be difficult to take up the studs during the periods that the police were there.

25. Mr. G. MACDONALD (for Mr. PARKINSON)

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the scant attention paid by motorists at the recognised crossing-places for pedestrians; and whether, in view of the large number of accidents at these crossings, he proposes to take further steps to safeguard the rights of pedestrians?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I think that the hon. Gentleman's assumption is too wide, but I agree that there is room for improvement in the observance of the crossings by all concerned. I hope that drivers and pedestrians alike will progressively realise that the crossings, being laid down for their mutual benefit, should for the common advantage be invariably respected.

Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASS

Will the Minister of Transport communicate with the Home Secretary on this point?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Yes, Sir. A question of the enforcement of the law is entirely for my right hon. Friend.