HC Deb 06 March 1940 vol 358 c392
74. Sir Stanley Reed

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take early measures to remove superfluous traffic beacons which, apart from serving no useful purpose in the regulation of traffic, are a menace to pedestrians during the hours of darkness?

Captain Wallace

No, Sir. Traffic beacons at pedestrian crossings serve a definite and useful purpose, and I cannot regard any of them as superfluous.

Sir S. Reed

May I ask, arising out of that reply, whether the Minister will accompany me home on a dark night, having previously insured his life for a large amount, and test these dangerous nuisances for himself?

Captain Wallace

If we are going to take down the beacons, as my hon. Friend wishes, we shall have to take down as well trees, telegraph poles and lamp-posts, which are far more numerous.