HC Deb 26 June 1950 vol 476 cc1872-3
2. Captain John Crowder

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now reached any final decision regarding the rights of pedestrians. at controlled pedestrian crossings; and whether it is his intention to deal with this matter by new regulations or by giving guidance to road users in the Highway Code.

7. Mr. John Grimston

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the need for greater uniformity in the marking of pedestrian crossings; and when he proposes to make regulations to secure this end.

Mr. Barnes

I have not yet reached a final decision on this matter, since various aspects of the question have required careful examination, including recent reports by the Road Research Laboratory on the experimental marking of pedestrian crossings with black and white stripes and on the illumination of crossings at night. I hope to make a further statement soon.

Captain Crowder

In view of the congestion in Central London and the need for an even flow of traffic, will the right hon. Gentleman expedite his announcement so that pedestrians know where they stand, because the present uncertainty is most unsatisfactory to all concerned?

Mr. Barnes

I certainly share the concern of the hon. and gallant Member. It will be recalled that, a little while ago, I indicated that legal difficulties have intervened in this very complex problem. We are pushing on with the examination as quickly as possible, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement before very long.