§ Sir W. BRASSasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the confusion of rights which appear to exist on certain pedestrian crossing-places where traffic light-control systems are in operation and the traffic can only move from one street to another, he will consider the removal of all central white lines from all crossings where light traffic-controls exist, in order to show that they are not pedestrian rights of way and instal the studded system of crossings indicating pedestrians' rights of way, as used in Paris on all selected crossings where no traffic light-control system is in operation?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI shall keep carefully in mind this and other suggestions which my hon. and gallant Friend has been good enough to make.
§ Sir W. BRASSasked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to increase the number of "C" pedestrians' crossing-places in the Metropolitan area; whether he can inform the House of the estimated cost of one of these, equipped as at present, with white lines painted on the carriage-way and two "C" signs on the pavements with electric lighting installed showing up each side of them; and how the cost of this design of crossing compares with the ordinary metal studded one which is used for the same purpose in Paris?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have already invited the co-operation of the local authorities in extending this experiment2322W to some 90 miles of roads radiating from the centre of London to the outer suburbs and at a number of crossings the "C" signs are to be erected. The cost of marking one crossing-place on the carriageway, including the erection and wiring for lighting of two "C" signs, is about £42 inclusive of maintenance for three months. The estimated cost of a cross marking with metal studs is about £20. It was considered necessary in initiating this system to take every possible means to ensure that drivers as well as pedestrians had their attention clearly drawn to the existence of these crossings, but I hope that as the system spreads and becomes better known, it may be possible to dispense with these signs and thus substantially reduce the cost of the markings. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware the system now in operation must be regarded as an experiment and before a final decision is taken as to the type of marking which should be permanently adopted all considerations, including that of economy, will be taken into account.