HL Deb 07 July 1980 vol 411 cc846-7

2.40 p.m.

Viscount MOUNTGARRET

My Lords, I beg leave 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 provision could be made to allow motorists to take a left turn at all traffic lights showing red but giving priority to pedestrians and traffic from the right but not so as to contravene any sign showing a one-way system.

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

My Lords, the Government are not, for road safety reasons, contemplating this. In the United Kingdom a red light has always meant "Stop" for all drivers, whether they propose to turn or go ahead, unless a green arrow signal points to a permitted direction of travel. To permit a left turn against a red signal could devalue the message and threaten road safety. The rule about the red light signal which I have mentioned applies also on the Continent, and indeed the Vienna Convention on Traffic Signs and Signals, to which we conform, does not permit movements against red signals in the absence of positive arrows.

Viscount MOUNTGARRET

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply; but is he not aware that the practice I mention is widely used in America and I believe also in many other countries? Would he not agree that to produce a few more green arrows would be advantageous? Also, would he not agree that to implement such provisions would be of great assistance in easing congested traffic flow?

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

My Lords, the North American experience in practice has been studied very carefully, but it is our view that the disadvantages in road safety would more than outweigh any possible advantages to be gained in respect of traffic flows. My noble friend has hit me on the head when he says that these things would be possible with accompanying arrows. That is possible now: but in this country, we try where possible to have round roundabouts at junctions, which keeps the traffic flow easier.

Lord LEATHERLAND

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord an easy question? As the economy is now showing a red light, will the Government take a left turn in its policy?

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

My Lords, we are going full steam ahead on a green light.