§ Captain Bullockasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of pedestrian crossings from which the pedestrian is unable to see the changing of the traffic lights; whether full consideration has now been given by his Department to the advantages resulting from the adoption at certain crossings of the system in use in Paris where a number of studs can be illuminated alternately with green or red lights, these studs being either placed across the roadway or in the curbstones at pedestrian crossings; and if he proposes to adopt this method in suitable cases?
§ Captain WallaceAt an ordinary cross roads provided with light signals a pedestrian is not fully protected from turning traffic when the green light is showing towards him. Pedestrians are therefore advised in the Highway Code that unless there are"Cross Now" signals they should not rely solely on light signals, but should pay attention to the movements of traffic, and particularly of turning traffic.
Where conditions justify them, signals are provided so that they are visible to the pedestrian, and I do not think the studs to which my hon. Friend refers offer any material advantages over such signals. I understand that these studs are much larger than the type of stud used for pedestrian crossings and that they project nearly 1¾ inches above the surface of the carriageway or footway. As at present advised, I should not feel justified in encouraging highway authorities to use them.