§ 69 Mr. Pageasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the comparative cost, in connection with pedestrian crossings for which local authorities are responsible of police control and press-button light control.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Hugh Molson)The cost of police control is about £1,200 a year on the basis of a 12-hour day. The cost of installing press-button traffic light signals varies between £850 and £350, depending on whether the lights are provided with vehicle-actuated pads or not. The annual maintenance cost of such signals is £50 to £70.
§ Mr, PageWill my hon. Friend encourage the use of press-button signals rather than police controls?
§ Mr. MolsonYes, Sir It is our policy to do so in all suitable cases in the interests of economy.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Joint Parliamentary Secretary making good progress with the collection of statistics to show whether or not zebra crossings, are, in fact, resulting in a reduction in the number of accidents?
§ Mr. MolsonYes, Sir, we are making good progress in that as in other respects, and there may be an opportunity of discussing that matter later.