§ 39. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the experiments in lighting Belisha beacons at pedestrian crossings.
Mr. BraithwaiteThis is now past the stage of local experiment. Local authorities are proceeding to equip the beacons 1464 with approved lighting mechanisms and the work will, I hope, be completed throughout the country by next winter.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonAre we to understand from that answer that the Department are securing uniformity in the application of these safety measures? Is not my hon. Friend aware that traffic signs and appliances generally apply with complete lack of uniformity in different parts of the country?
Mr. BraithwaiteWe hope to get as much uniformity as we can in this matter of flashing beacons, and local authorities are being most co-operative.
§ 64. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Transport whether he has noted that in rainy weather the surface of pedestrian crossings is not skid-proof; and whether alternative materials could be used, including coloured slabs of pottery.
Mr. BraithwaiteSeveral different kinds of material are used for marking zebra crossings and their resistance to skidding varies. The material most often used is a plastic which has a reasonably good resistance. Pottery tiles have been laid at some crossings (including some in Stoke-on-Trent) and their performance is being watched with interest.
§ Dr. StrossCan the Minister say when he will have made up his mind about whether these crossings made of pottery slabs or bricks will be useful? When will he know whether they are going to be useful so that their use should be extended?
Mr. BraithwaiteI am tomorrow to have the pleasure of meeting the borough engineer of the City of Stoke-on-Trent on another matter and I shall take that opportunity of discussing it with him.