HC Deb 10 November 1927 vol 210 c390W
Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Transport whether, following the successful experiments and practice on the Continent and in the United States, he will consider making use of coloured lights in the main streets of London and other large cities for the regulation of traffic?

Colonel ASHLEY

The use of coloured lights for the control of traffic in the provinces is entirely a matter for the local and highway authorities. So far as London is concerned, the London Traffic Advisory Committee, the Commissioner of Police and officers of my Department keep in the closest touch with every kind of experiment of this character. The lay-out of the streets and the conditions of traffic in London, however, are exceptional, and systems that may be found useful elsewhere would not necessarily be desirable or even workable here. As my hon. Friend is aware, an experiment with coloured lights is being conducted in Piccadilly and if and when I am satisfied that further experiments on these lines are desirable, I will certainly endeavour to arrange for them to be carried out.