§ 23. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in order to minimise the risk of accidents and also delays in traffic where street works are in progress, he will now make Regulations under Section 8 of the Public Utilities Street Works Act, 1950, prescribing uniform methods of traffic control during the progress of street works.
§ Mr. MolsonRegulations are in force under the London Traffic Act, 1924, relating to the lighting and marking of street works in the London traffic area and my right hon. Friend is ready to consider whether further measures are necessary either inside or outside London. Perhaps my hon. Friend would indicate rather more precisely the scope of the regulations that he has in mind.
§ Mr. RussellIs my hon. Friend aware that there are many different systems of 1711 control in use, ranging from traffic lights automatically controlled to those controlled by hand and also the old fashioned method of flags? Does he not think that all these different controls make for a great deal of confusion?
§ Mr. MolsonMy right hon. Friend has not in fact made Regulations under Section 8 (2) of the 1950 Act, which applies to other parts of the country than London. The reason is that he is not convinced that they are necessary in view of the obligations imposed upon the statutory undertakers, and he is not at present convinced that it is desirable because of the variation in local conditions. But this matter is under consideration and we shall bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.