HC Deb 25 January 1967 vol 739 cc1472-3
5. Sir J. Vaughan-Morgan

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in the selective experiments increasing the number of pedestrian crossings referred to by the Parliamentary Secretary in an Adjournment Debate on 10th December, 1965, in reply to the right hon. Member for Reigate.

Mr. Swingler

This experiment has not yet been concluded. Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that there should be some increase in the number of zebra crossings throughout the country. The relaxed criteria which she announced on 10th January will permit an increase of up to 20 per cent.

Sir J. Vaughan-Morgan

Could the hon. Gentleman tell us where these selective experiments are being held so that those interested may gain some knowledge of them? Does this mean that the three long-outstanding applications from Reigate Borough Council will now be agreed?

Mr. Swingler

Certainly Reigate's applications will be reconsidered in the light of the new criteria which take into account only peak hour flows of pedestrians and traffic. But, on the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I must decline to respond to his invitation. We are most anxious not to publicise the places where these experiments are taking place in case this should introduce a bias into the situation.