§ 43. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement concerning the large number of fatal and other accidents which occurred on pedestrian crossings in England and Wales during 1970.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsIt is safer to cross at a crossing than elsewhere but I share the hon. Member's concern about these casualties. My right hon. Friend announced yesterday new measures to improve the safety of zebra crossings.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he aware that there were no fewer than 1,722 serious casualties, including a number of fatal accidents, on pedestrian crossings last year? Is his Department giving full consideration to the possibility of more road islands being installed on pedestrian crossings as a means of ensuring a greater safety factor?
§ Mr. GriffithsMy Department is considering all these possibilities. The short answer to the hon. Gentleman is that yesterday my right hon. Friend introduced a series of new safety measures which has been exceedingly well received.