§ 79. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the desire of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to retain 23 of the former 58 pedestrian crossings in the borough; and whether, in view of the heavily trafficked trunk road which passes through the borough, he will agree to this suggestion.
§ Mr. MaclayI have looked very carefully into the case presented by the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to retain 23 uncontrolled pedestrian crossings. I have authorised 20 crossings, and I believe that this is as many as should be allowed in the interests of the success of the new scheme.
§ 89. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Transport whether he will arrange to have a special form of lighting on the kerb and above all zebra crossings so that they may be more easily seen at a distance by motorists at nights.
§ Mr. MaclayI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Leicester, North-West (Mr. Janner), on 26th November, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ 93. Mr. Moyleasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a third fatal accident has taken place on the zebra crossing in the Birmingham-Wolverhampton New Road, near St. James' Vicarage; and whether, in view of the fact that large numbers of school children use this particular crossing, he will institute a speed limit on the Oldbury and Tividale part of the Wolverhampton New Road.
§ 94. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a third fatal accident has taken place on the zebra crossing on the Birmingham-Wolverhampton New Road, near St. James' Vicarage; and whether, in view 193W of the fact that large numbers of school children use this particular crossing, he will institute a speed limit on the Oldbury-Tividale part of the Wolverhampton New Road.
§ Mr. MaclayI was shocked to hear that another child had been killed at this place and I am considering urgently what can be done for the safety of pedestrians on this road. After studying the whole problem of traffic conditions here I am not satisfied that a speed limit is the right answer nor am I satisfied about the wisdom of having uncontrolled pedestrian crossings on this road.
§ Mr. P. Wellsasked the Minister of Transport if he will have the pedestrian crossing near St. Michael's mission school, on the main London—Dover Road, Sittingbourne, restored, in view of the widespread concern of parents, the aged, and others at its removal.
§ Mr. MaclayI understand that this crossing was not greatly used except by schoolchildren and in any case I do not think that an uncontrolled crossing is a sufficient safeguard for young children. I think that they could be better protected by an adult patrol. If a patrol is provided, I am prepared to authorise a special sign which can be used to hold up traffic.