§ Mr. A. Royleasked the Minister of Transport when the experimental phasing of the Albert Gate—Knightsbridge traffic signals is due to finish; if he is aware that at the present time pedestrians, including those with perambulators, have only 10 seconds in which to cross Knightsbridge; and if he will take immediate action to lengthen the pedestrian crossing phase in order to avoid the danger of accidents.
§ Mr. MarplesPedestrians at present have up to 13 seconds to cross Knightsbridge, which is 40 feet wide. The Westminster City Council are installing"Cross Now" signals on the east side of the junction, and pedestrians will then have up to 14 seconds. If, as I hope, the carriageway can be widened between Albert Gate and Wilton Place to provide one extra lane westbound, it will be possible to give pedestrians a good deal more time. Till then, this could be done only at the expense of seriously worsening traffic congestion.