§ 67. Mr. Kellyasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been directed to the criticism of the traffic islands in the Manchester—Liverpool road by the chairman of the Lancashire highways committee; whether he is aware of the growing public preference for traffic-light signals; and whether he will take steps to facilitate the installation of these signals whenever they are requested or recommended by the local authorities?
§ Mr. BurginI am, of course, prepared at any time to consider representations from local authorities on the matter. The Liverpool—East Lancashire Road, which became a trunk road on 1st April, 1937, was constructed by the Lancashire County Council, and roundabouts were established at the road junctions as the most satisfactory means for the regulation of traffic. While I am aware that they have tended to reduce the speed of traffic, I have no grounds for concluding that they have failed in their prime purpose, or that traffic light signals would be preferable.
§ Mr. KellyWill the right hon. Gentleman give consideration to the pleas made by local authorities who desire to have these lights? It may be that they are right and the county council wrong.
§ Mr. BurginI will certainly consider that matter very carefully. The policy which underlies the giving or refusing of traffic light signals depends a good deal on the weight of traffic. That is the recognised policy in the Department, but if the hon. Gentleman has some particular local representations in mind I shall be glad to give them personal consideration.