HC Deb 16 February 1955 vol 537 cc368-70
25. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that in built-up areas of our cities and towns there are few places for pedestrians to cross the roads; that pedestrian crossings have been reduced by about 66 per cent. since1951, so that now there are only two or three pedestrian crossings to every mile of main road; and if he will consider having placed in the centre of wide roads, posts or islands to assist pedestrians crossing the roads where no zebra or police-controlled crossings are in existence, and take steps to make it obligatory for local authorities to carry out these improvements in the interest of road safety.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The number of uncontrolled pedestrian crossings was reduced by about 60 per cent. in 1951, when striping was introduced. This step has greatly increased the respect for these crossings shown both by motorists and by pedestrians. The cost of constructing approved pedestrian refuges on classified roads is accepted for grant. The need for each refuge has to be judged on its merits, and I do not think a general power compelling local highway authorities to provide them would be desirable.

Mr. Keenan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the City of Liverpool there were 571 pedestrian crossings in 1951, and that at the present time there are only 153 in 35 miles of double carriageway and very many miles of main roads? My reasons for putting the Question is the fact that there are only two or three crossings for every mile of main road. Where are pedestrians to cross the road in safety, if they are to avoid accidents?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I know that the hon. Gentleman does not agree with the reduction in the number of these crossings which was effected in 1951, but I think that he must give due weight to the fact that it is possible to cross much more safely at the existing ones than it was before these reductions took place.

Mr. Keenan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many old people have to cross roads 60 or 70 feet wide, which they are afraid to cross because there is no special place for them, and that they may have to walk a quarter of a mile to get to a safe crossing?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

This is a difficult question, but we have to weigh against the desirability of having frequent crossings the even greater desirability of securing respect for those that there are. It is a matter of balancing one consideration with the other. I think that our policy is right, but I know that the hon. Gentleman does not.

Mr. Page

Can the right hon. Gentleman do anything to encourage, where the road is wide enough, the placing of refuges to assist pedestrians to cross?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As I said in the last part of my main answer, this is a matter in the first place for the local highway authorities, and I have never found them unwilling to put forward reasonable proposals.

33. Lieut-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many persons were killed or seriously injured on zebra crossings during 1953 and 1954, respectively.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Eighty-nine persons were killed and 686 seriously injured on zebra crossings during 1953. The corresponding figures for 1954 were 80 persons killed and 785 seriously injured.

Lieut-Colonel Lipton

Do not these figures represent a very substantial increase in the number of people killed and seriously injured on zebra crossings in 1954 as compared with 1953? How does the Minister reconcile that fact with his statement a month or two ago that increased respect is being shown for pedestrian crossings and that the accident rate is being reduced? Does not this show that the zebra crossings are an absolute failure?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not think the hon. and gallant Gentleman can base that conclusion on this evidence because, in fact, though the number seriously injured increased in 1954 as against 1953, the number killed shows a reduction.

Mr. Royle

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publicising the suggestion to the general public that they should not step off the footpath after a car has passed the 15 ft. studs? I think that would tend to reduce these accidents.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I will certainly consider that suggestion.

Lieut-Colonel Lipton

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.