HC Deb 02 July 1931 vol 254 cc1477-8W
Mr. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the danger to pedestrians on main roads beside which no footpath is provided, he will take steps which will enable him to make grants towards the construction of such footpaths along main roads similar to the grants provided in the case of the improvement and reconstruction of main roads?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

I am always prepared to consider applications by highway authorities for grants from the Road Fund towards the cost of constructing footpaths on important roads, and it is the rule to require such provision, where desirable and practicable, before any scheme of improvement or new construction is approved for grant from the Road Fund.

Mr. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Transport whether in the scheme for the completion of the Southend arterial road provision has been made for a footpath to run beside the road; and, if not, will he, in view of the danger to pedestrians, arrange for the provision of such a footpath?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

The scheme for a second carriageway along a portion of the Southend arterial road makes provision for a footway.

Mr. NAYLOR

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the advisability of having official crossings for pedestrians in busy thoroughfares indicated by two parallel lines instead of a single line an order to provide a wider margin of safety for pedestrians and a clearer indication to motorists of the necessity for caution?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

In connection with the introduction of light control signals in Oxford Street, double white lines have been provided across the carriageway at the junctions controlled by the signals. Careful observation will be kept on the effectiveness of this method of indicating pedestrain crossing places.