HC Deb 11 December 1963 vol 686 cc87-8W
Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Transport if he will replace the panda crossings, which are confusing to many drivers, by the pedestrian traffic control system being tried in Harrow Road, Paddington, and other areas.

Mr. Marples

No. The pedestrian traffic control system is an experiment and I do not propose to extend it until I have assessed the results.

Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Transport if he will improve the operation of the experimental pedestrian traffic control system in Harrow Road, Paddington, and other places by increasing the degree of linking between the traffic signals.

Mr. Marples

At each site the signals are already linked so that in normal traffic conditions vehicles can progress through them all at a speed between 15 and 20 m.p.h. But the linking has to be biased at times in favour of the heavier traffic flow. The only signals not so linked are those at the Great Western Road junction on Harrow Road, which is so complex that I have not so far been able to link it on every cycle of the lights. I am still experimenting with the signal settings in order to secure the best arrangements for both vehicles and pedestrians.