§ 26. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what changes he is contemplating in the traffic-light system during some parts of the night when there is very little traffic; whether he is aware that some countries have introduced at certain crossings a system of flashing lights which require a driver to slow down or stop to ascertain that the crossing is clear before proceeding across it; and whether he will 376 consider adopting this system in this country.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe answer to the last part of the Question is "No, Sir". With the vehicle-actuated traffic lights commonly in use in this country, delays at light-controlled crossings are reduced to a minimum. In many foreign countries traffic light signals are of the fixed-time type, which can cause appreciable delays unless the practice referred to by the hon. Member is adopted.
§ Mr. JannerIs the Minister aware that a considerable amount of exasperation is caused to motorists who have their cars stationary in the middle of the night with no one about and no possibility of moving for many minutes, and that the introduction of this type of light would enable traffic to proceed and also avoid many cases of people crossing the lights?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am not at all sure about that. The accident record at night shows that a common source of accidents is that caused by people jumping the lights at apparently free crossings and having head-on collisions.