HC Deb 26 July 1939 vol 350 cc1464-5
66. Captain Sir William Brass

asked the Minister of Transport what would be the approximate cost of adding to an existing traffic-light signal, a special signal with the three colours placed in a suitable position for the guidance of foot passengers, in order to indicate when they should or should not attempt to cross the road?

The Minister of Transport (Captain Wallace)

The total cost of fitting an additional three-light signal of a normal pattern to an existing traffic signal depends so much on the circumstances of each case that it is difficult to give any general estimate. I understand that the cost of an additional three-light signal of a normal pattern would be about £8 10s., but to this must be added the cost of fitting to the signal head and also of making the necessary alterations to the cables. If, as in many cases, the whole junction would have to be recabled, the cost would be very considerable.

Sir Percy Harris

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that in all new traffic-light signals a third light should be added for the safety of pedestrians?

Captain Wallace

I shall be glad to consider that.

67. Sir W. Brass

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will issue a circular to local authorities asking them to experiment with the fitting of some traffic- light signals of a special kind with the three colours for the guidance of foot passengers who are endangered when crossing the road by being unable to see when the traffic lights are in their favour?

Captain Wallace

Yes, Sir. I propose to issue to highway authorities a circular calling attention to the desirability of providing additional three-light signal faces of the normal pattern on traffic-light signals wherever these are practicable and warranted.

68. Sir W. Brass

asked the Minister of Transport whether at the traffic-light controls in the Metropolitan area any check is ever made of the duration of the green and red periods with the normal traffic flow at different times of the day and night and on Sundays in order that unnecessary delays when the traffic is light can be avoided at minor crossings?

Captain Wallace

The fact that the great majority of the traffic control signals in the Metropolitan area are vehicle-actuated ensures that unnecessary delays are avoided when traffic is light along the side streets. Periodical checks are, however, made of the timing of all installations and these are taken at various times of the day and night. Checks on Sundays are not considered necessary.

Sir W. Brass

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that there is a very considerable delay on Sundays, and would he consider installing the system adopted in France whereby the yellow amber light is blinked at cross roads so as to give a warning signal when the rest of the lights are turned out?

Captain Wallace

If my hon. and gallant Friend suggests that that should be done on Sundays only, I think that it would be impracticable.