§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Transport if he will reconsider his refusal to erect signs advising drivers of the proximity of homes for blind, disabled and aged people.
§ Mr. MarplesI do not consider that signs warning drivers about these homes are a reliable safety measure. Even so I am very concerned about the difficulties of pedestrians and especially of those who are old or handicapped and their needs are being given special consideration in the current review of crossing policy. But much their best protection is an escort
§ Mr. AllaunIs the Minister aware that a letter from his Ministry to the Manchester and Salford Blind Aid Society says that notices are best placed within the grounds of such homes? Is that not far too late to warn drivers? Is he aware that the letter also uses as 987 an argument the fact that blind people do not cross the road at regular times? Surely this is all the more reason for such a notice. It seems daft to me.
§ Mr. MarplesAll I can say is that the superintendent and secretary of the Manchester and Salford Blind Aid Society wrote to me suggesting that blind people from the homes themselves feel that for them to put their faith in signs which are for sighted motorists is ridiculous and that blind people would never dream of crossing Eccles Old Road without help. I am sure that all would wish to give assistance to the elderly and blind when crossing the roads. The only point of dispute is on the right way to do it—whether by proliferating signs for sighted motorists or whether by providing care and attention for blind persons when crossing the road.