HL Deb 05 June 1989 vol 508 cc586-7

2.41 p.m.

Lord Foley asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consider making lights at pelican crossings legally enforceable for pedestrians as well as motor vehicles.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, we have no plans to introduce legislation along those lines. It would be difficult to enforce and we doubt that pedestrians would respect such a law unless there was strict police enforcement. The police effort could not be justified. Pelicans are normally sited at particularly busy crossing points yet less than 4 per cent. of all pedestrian casualties occur at them.

Lord Foley

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for his Answer. In view of the appalling traffic problems in this city, perhaps I may ask this question. Does he consider that in traffic black spots, such as Sloane Square where there are many pedestrian crossings and pedestrians have the right of way on them, it would be a good idea to build an underground tunnel? That would not only relieve traffic congestion but make life much safer for pedestrians.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I am sure that most of your Lordships are aware of the problems of Sloane Square. All I can say is that I shall pass on my noble friend's very interesting suggestion to my right honourable friend.

Lord Underhill

My Lords, I appreciate the initial reply of the noble Viscount. Can he confirm that under the Act of 1984 (in what I think is Section 25) the Secretary of State has the power to issue regulations to control the movement of traffic and pedestrians at pedestrian crossings? Has the use of that power been considered at all?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State launched a new packet of proposals specifically to improve pedestrian safety on 19th April. The measures are detailed in a leaflet on which comments have been invited. So far over 2,000 leaflets have been distributed to local authorities, police forces and other interested bodies and individuals. The proposals have been well received.

With regard to the noble Lord's other question, I shall have to write to him.

Lord Monson

My Lords, does the Minister agree that pedestrians are 50 times more sinned against than sinning in this matter? Is he aware that if a young police constable desirous of quick promotion were to stand at a typical pelican crossing in Kensington High Street in plain clothes, he would be able to arrest between 20 and 30 motorists every hour for driving through a red light?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, as a pedestrian and a driver I do not think that I can take sides in this matter.