§ 10. Mr. Alasdair Mackenzieasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made towards carrying out the large-scale experiment in traffic control by means of computer-controlled traffic signals.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThe planning stage of the experiment in West London has been substantially completed and tenders have been invited for the main items of equipment. In addition, proposals for conventional traffic measures necessary if the maximum benefit is to be obtained have been put to the Greater London Council as traffic authority. Preliminary planning work began recently on the complementary experiment in the centre of Glasgow.
§ Mr. MackenzieWhile welcoming the right hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask whether he is aware that computer control would keep the traffic moving smoothly? Will he, therefore, consider this as a matter of urgency?
§ Mr. FraserYes, Sir. That is the object of the experiment that we are carrying out.
§ Mr. WebsterWithout knowing whether the urban traffic in Ross and Cromarty is worthy of a computer, may I ask the Minister to tell me what advice he has received on this subject from the Minister of Technology?
§ Mr. FraserI am not sure that I see the relevance of the hon. Gentleman's question. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology and I are in the closest touch on this and other matters concerned with the advance of technology in transport in this country.