HL Deb 02 November 1954 vol 189 cc946-7
LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it can be arranged for pedestrian crossings to be sited in Parliament Square to enable pedestrians to cross the Square via the island, instead of, as at present, allowing pedestrians to get on to the island by a police-controlled crossing at the north-west corner and then to become marooned.]

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, it is very doubtful whether such crossings would be practicable, having regard to traffic conditions at this busy centre and the necessary weaving movements of the various traffic streams, but the noble Lord's suggestion is being examined in consultation with the Westminster City Council and the Police.

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, while I am grateful to the noble Lord for his sympathetic reply, may I ask him whether consideration will be given to the fact that pedestrian crossings are intended for the benefit and safety of pedestrians, and not for the convenience of vehicular traffic? It is the density of the traffic round Parliament Square that makes pedestrian crossings essential.

LORD HAWKE

As the noble Lord appreciates, this is a question of balance. This is the fourth busiest square in London for vehicular traffic. It is one in respect of which any risk of tying up traffic for any period must be carefully considered.

LORD HINDLIP

Arising out of his Answer, would not my noble friend Lord Hawke agree that if a further pedestrian crossing was made in Parliament Square where the traffic now flows freely as a rule—freer than in other London squares—it would impede that free flow of traffic in and around the Houses of Parliament?

LORD HAWKE

That is certainly one of the gravest considerations which will have to be considered when my right honourable friend is discussing this matter with the council and the police concerned.