§ 14. Mr. Hayasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will advise highway authorities, as a contribution towards economy in the use of motor fuel, to switch off traffic lights at unimportant cross-roads.
§ Mr. MolsonWhile I appreciate the motive underlying the hon. Member's Question, I am advised that little, if any, saving of fuel would be effected if his suggestion were adopted.
§ Mr. HayDoes my hon. Friend not appreciate that when motorists are stopped at traffic lights quite a considerable waste of fuel takes place? Could he not look at this matter a little more sympathetically, particularly in the case of outlying and suburban parts of our towns and cities, where these traffic lights are often quite unnecessary in any event?
§ Mr. MolsonAt present there are comparatively few fixed-time installations left. Most of them are vehicle-actuated and therefore do not result in any delay.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeCould we not go in for the excellent French system of having flashing orange lights at night?
§ Mr. MolsonThat scarcely arises out of this Question.