§ 26. Mr. Keelingasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to recent prosecutions of motorists in London for over-running traffic signals, and to their defence that the lights at some points are not visible on sunny days through want of cleaning or deterioration of bulbs; and whether he will direct the police to call the attention of borough councils to any signals at which the light is inadequate?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonIt is not uncommon for motorists prosecuted for infringements of automatic traffic signals to plead in mitigation that the lights are difficult to see in bright sunlight—the difficulty being usually ascribed to the present method of masking the lights rather than to want of cleaning or deterioration of bulbs. Traffic light installations are regularly inspected by police and any defects observed are reported to the authorities responsible for maintenance.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the Home Secretary aware that a number of provincial authorities show a fuller light in day-time than at night, and does he think it right that London, which should lead in these matters, should be so far behind?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is a matter of degree and of black-out regulations, but I will consider the point.
§ Mr. SilvermanIs my right hon. Friend aware that some of the signals, especially in London, are completely and totally invisible, and that it is really hard for people who want to be law-abiding to be converted into offenders by reason of not obeying signals which they really cannot see?
§ Mr. MorrisonI gathered that my hon. Friend had in mind some particular signals, and if he will be good enough to let me have the particulars, I will have them examined.