HC Deb 22 January 1958 vol 580 cc1034-5
23. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that, when traffic is light at night in many continental towns, traffic signals are switched to a flashing amber light; and what experiments have been carried out in Great Britain with a view to introducing a flashing red light at night which would avoid confusion with Belisha beacons.

Mr. Nugent

Experiments carried out some years ago did not show that flashing red lights had any advantage over vehicle-actuated traffic lights, which are widely used in this country.

Mr. Russell

Is not my hon. Friend aware that the flashing amber light is in great use on the Continent, and therefore, presumably, saves a good deal of time in vehicles not having to pull up and come to a dead stop, and a great deal of wear and tear? Would not my hon. Friend reconsider the matter in view of the fact that this system is so widely used abroad?

Mr. Nugent

We have considered it very carefully. Most of the traffic lights used abroad are timed for operation as opposed to the vehicle-actuated lights in this country. I think that the balance of advantage is to be had by sticking to our present system.

Mr. Strauss

Will the Minister be cautious before he introduces any more flashing light apparatus on the roads?