HC Deb 02 November 1955 vol 545 c113W
68. Mr. Black

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in the case of road junctions at which traffic is normally controlled by automatic traffic signals, he will arrange for such traffic signals to be disconnected when traffic at such road junctions is being controlled by the police, in order that the confusion and uncertainty that is otherwise caused to drivers of vehicles may be avoided.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In case of need the police can turn out traffic light signals and take over control, but in some circumstances it is helpful both to motorists and pedestrians for the police to supplement or even override the lights by hand signals.