HC Deb 01 February 1939 vol 343 cc188-9
19. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the many positions at which traffic beacons are affixed in the public highways that are not sufficiently conspicuous at night; will he consider in what manner, not only the beacon, but the pedestrian crossing, may be made more clearly visible to drivers of vehicles; and in how many cases his attention has been drawn to this subject by his divisional road engineers?

Mr. Burgin

My attention has been drawn to places where it is alleged that unlighted beacons at pedestrian crossings are not sufficiently conspicuous at night. My desire in such instances is that the street lighting should be improved so that not only the beacon but the crossing and any pedestrians using it may be clearly visible to drivers.

Mr. Day

Has the Minister called the attention of the local authorities to the matter?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir, I have called the attention of the lighting authorities to it.

Mr. Thorne

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that any useful purpose can be served by these beacons? Is he not aware that from time to time they get chipped or broken, which means that local authorities are put to expense?

Mr. Burgin

I do not think the time has come for me to do any destructive work. My proposals ought all to be constructive.

Sir Joseph Nall

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the very obscure position of some of the island refuges being provided at crossings and to the fact that, owing to the lack of illumination, they are a danger to traffic?