HC Deb 08 July 1936 vol 314 cc1203-4
75. Sir GIFFORD FOX

asked the Minister of Transport whether, inasmuch as Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 1934, authorises the making of regulations prohibiting foot-passenger traffic on the carriageway within one hundred yards of a pedestrian crossing, he will say what are the difficulties in framing regulations directed to this matter with the object of preventing road accidents?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Pedestrian crossings are not laid out at mathematically regular intervals, and consequently the Regulation which my hon. Friend has in mind would not only fail to achieve the desired purpose but would leave doubt as to the legal responsibility falling upon vehicle users and pedestrians in particular cases. The administrative duty resting upon the police would be equally difficult to discharge. I feel that the ultimate solution can more hopefully be sought in guiding pedestrians to crossings by means of a system of guard rails.