HC Deb 12 November 1951 vol 493 cc634-6
25. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minis96ter of Transport if he is aware of the need for a pedestrian crossing to be installed at Manor Road, West Ham, near the school; and what action he proposes to take to have this crossing installed in the immediate future.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. John Maclay)

The new scheme for pedestrian crossings, which has been submitted by the local authority and approved makes no provision for a crossing at this point, but I am willing to consider any variation of their scheme for which the local authority may decide to apply.

Mr. Lewis

I thank the Minister for that reply.

29. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give an assurance that no uncontrolled pedestrian crossing outside a school, hospital or similar institution will be removed until a recognised traffic control officer is available.

Mr. Maclay

I am anxious to see measures such as the provision of adult patrols adopted as widely as possible in appropriate places, but I cannot go so far as to give the assurance for which the hon. Member asks.

Mr. Freeman

Is the Minister aware of the many complaints that have been received from schools and local authorities about the matter, and could he not hold it up until he arranges for these controls to be in existence?

Mr. Maclay

As the hon. Member realises, I have only just been able to make a full study of this question, but I am satisfied that the arrangement so far made should ultimately cover the need.

30. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will limit the proposed reduction in the, number of uncontrolled pedestrian crossings to those which local authorities consider can be removed without prejudice to the safety of the public, in view of the many protests from the public and local authorities themselves.

Mr. Maclay

Careful consideration has been given to any special cases advanced by local authorities for the retention of uncontrolled crossings, in excess of the one-third which they were invited to select, and approval has been given to a number of such additional crossings.

Mr. Freeman

Could not the Minister hold up this scheme, pending inquiry, and until after consulting the local authorities? There are very grave objections and many complaints from many local authorities throughout the country.

Mr. Maclay

I would say, with great respect, that it would be a mistake to hold up this scheme, now that it has gone so far. The general idea of the scheme seems to be correct, but we must watch what happens, and keep in as close contact as possible with local authorities and others, as we achieve greater experience in the matter.

Mr. John Profumo

Is my hon. Friend aware that his predecessor refused to consider an extremely urgent case of this sort which I referred to him? If I now send the papers to my hon. Friend again, will he give the case sympathetic consideration?

Mr. Maclay

I will certainly look at anything my hon. Friend sends.

Mr. Victor Yates

Is the Minister aware that many local authorities, like Birmingham, are very concerned about the lack of consultation, and the short notice at which they have been asked to carry out the arrangement in Birmingham for marking 1,149 uncontrolled crossings? Will he consult them a little more before carrying out the scheme?

Mr. Maclay

It is open to local authorities to put in a special case, but it must be clear that if I give way on too many marginal cases the whole purpose of this scheme may be defeated. It is the view of many people that the scheme will cut down a number of deaths on the road, an object that every one of us has in view.

34. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Transport if he will agree to the annulment of the Pedestrian Crossings (General) Regulations, 1951.

Mr. Maclay

No, Sir. These Regulations are designed to simplify the law relating to pedestrian crossings and to provide for the more conspicuous marking of uncontrolled crossings. They were made after full consultation with associations representing local authorities and all classes of road users.

Sir I. Fraser

Is the Minister aware that the associations would very much like amendments to these regulations, which are very arbitrary? How can it be right that a percentage of these crossings should be destroyed without regard to the local conditions?

Mr. Maclay

I have studied all the reports and remarks on this subject very carefully indeed, and I think we must give the new scheme a fair chance before we condemn it absolutely.