Mr. G. Wilsonasked the Minister of Transport whether a decision has been reached to install traffic signals at Parliament Square; and whether the passage of Members will be affected.
§ Mr. MarplesThere has been a large increase in accidents in the Square. Many of these have occurred at times when police were not on duty and the installation of traffic signals would enable the junction to be controlled throughout the quiet hours as well as by day. Discussions have been going on between interested parties and it has been decided to install lights at two of the approaches to the Square. Some preparatory work, particularly that involving disturbance of the road surface, will he done during the Recess but the signals may not be in operation by the time hon. Members return. The signals will be turned off and the junction controlled by police up to midnight when the House or its Committees are sitting or at any other time when considered necessary.
These arrangements have been discussed and agreed with the appropriate authorities of the House.