HC Deb 15 February 1939 vol 343 c1725
73. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the fact that many pedestrian beacons are not sufficiently conspicuous at night, he will consider what action he will take with local authorities for the purpose of seeing that pedestrian crossings are more clearly visible to drivers at night?

Mr. Burgin

I have already informed local authorities who have raised this question that where pedestrian crossing beacons are not sufficiently conspicuous at night, the street lighting should be improved so that not only the beacons but the crossing and any pedestrians using it may be clearly visible to drivers. When a suitable opportunity offers I will consider so advising local authorities generally.

Mr. Day

Have alterations been made in all these crossings to which road engineers have referred his Department?

Mr. Burgin

That is rather a wide and general question. I should say, broadly speaking, yes.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether it is obligatory upon the councils to carry out his requests or otherwise?

Mr. Burgin

It varies with the requests, and I should think that it also varies with the councils.