§ 39. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will encourage local authorities to include signals giving directions to pedestrians in all traffic signals erected at intersections in the busiest streets of cities and towns.
§ Mr. NugentWhere conditions permit and it is safe to do so, guidance to pedestrians is incorporated in traffic light signals at busy intersections. But the scope for such installations is limited.
§ Mr. RussellCan my hon. Friend say why this is limited? Are not there many places in London now where directions could be given? What are the limiting factors?
§ Mr. NugentThe limiting factors are obvious. In order to have a phase for pedestrians crossing it is necessary to have an all-red phase in which traffic is held up altogether. A further limitation is where 412 there is traffic filtering while the main stream is held up. Finally, pedestrians in London tend to cross irrespective of what the lights say.
§ Mr. ChampionIs not the Minister aware that there are many spots in the provinces where the "Cross Now" signal could be used, and would not it be an advantage to use these in some places in London? Will he look at that point again?
§ Mr. NugentIf the hon. Gentleman will give me details of any points where he thinks this signal should be introduced, I will gladly look at them, but to put in the "Cross Now" signal means an all-red phase in which the whole of the traffic is held up.