§ 17. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is holding any discussions to simplify the procedures for siting new pedestrian crossings.
§ Mr. HoramYes. We have discussed with local authority associations a proposal to withdraw the requirement for my right hon. Friend's approval of individual new pelican crossings on roads other than trunk roads. Their siting will then be determined by the local authority in the same way as zebra crossings.
§ Mr. GoodhartDoes the Minister appreciate that in the past it has often taken as long to develop and produce an airliner as to obtain approval for a pedestrian crossing on a main road? Will he make sure that in the new consultative procedure more weight is given to the views of local residents?
§ Mr. HoramThat is an extremely important point. I am conscious of the need not only to look at the statistics—which can sometimes conceal more than they reveal—but to consult public opinion and an hon. Member's constituents about a crossing. I hope that the change that we shall make will be consistent with what we are saying about local options and will lead to quicker results.
§ Mr. NobleDoes the Minister recall our correspondence about the need to site a pedestrian crossing outside Crawshaw-booth Junior School in my constituency? Does he agree with me that procedures that prohibit the siting of a pedestrian crossing on the busiest road in north-east Lancashire, where there is a steep gradient and where children cross, are entirely ridiculous?
§ Mr. HoramI had thought that I should not be able to get away without my hon. Friend raising this problem, which he has brought to my attention on a number of occasions. It is because we want quickly to announce decisions on such matters that we are trying to get local authorities to make up their minds. I cannot go all the way to Lancashire for my hon. Friend, but I shall look into the matter.
§ Mr. PenhaligonIs the Minister aware of the fact that the formula of cars per hour squared times people must amount to at least 100 million? Will he tell us where that formula came from, and upon what it is based?