HC Deb 22 November 1939 vol 353 c1212
44. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the confusion caused in the darkened streets by the varying directions for pedestrian traffic; and whether he will make it known whether pedestrians should keep to the right or to the left of pavements?

Captain Wallace

I am glad to take the opportunity of impressing upon the public again that they should walk on the left-hand side of the pavement. There is only one exception to this rule; in a one-way street pedestrians should not walk near the kerb in the same direction as the traffic.

Sir P. Hurd

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that, in spite of the Highway Code, the public generally do walk on the right and not on the left, and does he not think it desirable that highway authorities should placard the streets, "Walk on the left"?

Captain Wallace

Notices have been tried and I am sorry to say that so far the public has not responded. If the hon. Gentleman or any other hon. Gentleman can persuade the public to walk on the left I would be very grateful indeed.

Mr. Logan

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the number of apologies that one has to make to sandbags on the roads?

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the usual method of education in order to teach this is in the schools, whereas the best educationists are the parents?