HC Deb 10 November 1954 vol 532 cc1188-90
27. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what plans he has decided upon to ensure that pedestrians can safely cross the roads, following the reduction of road crossings for pedestrians in our cities and towns.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The whole purpose of the reduction in the number of pedestrian crossings in 1951 was, as explained by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for East Ham, South (Mr. Barnes) at the time, to make it safer for pedestrians to cross the roads by securing that crossings were both properly used by pedestrians and respected by drivers.

Mr. Keenan

Has the Minister realised that the recent action of his Department in curtailing the number of zebra crossings in cities and towns has meant that there are few places where pedestrians can cross the roads? In most cities the crossings are hundreds of yards apart? Where traffic is heavy, what means have pedestrians of crossing the road?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think the hon. Member has misunderstood. The reduction in the number of crossings took place three years ago. My Department has not been responsible for reductions recently. From correspondence, I gather the hon. Member has in mind that certain crossings which are police controlled have had their stripes removed—[Laughter.]—that has a familiar ring for certain hon. Members—so as to make it clear that they are controlled.

Mr. Keenan

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman has got the idea. Is he aware that in Liverpool there are 131 such crossings? Where else can the people of Liverpool cross the roads in safety, as pointed out by my hon. Friend the Member for the Scotland Division (Mr. Logan)?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As I have pointed out, the main reduction in the numbers was made—I think for very good reasons—by my predecessor some three years ago. If the hon. Member knows of some particular sites which he and the Liverpool City Council think should be considered for crossings, I will look into the matter.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that more light shines down on pedestrians at zebra crossings, as it is very difficult sometimes to see whether pedestrians are waiting to cross the road when the crossing is very dimly lit?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Lighting provision at these crossings is generally the responsibility of local authorities. I hope they will take note of the useful suggestion of my hon. Friend.