§ Sir R. Thompsonasked the Minister of Transport (1) on what grounds he rejected the London Borough of Croydon's proposals for a series of pedestrian crossing signals along the length of the Addiscombe Road; if he is aware that, as a 27W result of his rejection, there remains a serious road safety problem; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many accidents were notified to the police on the Addiscombe Road in the London Borough of Croydon in the most recent period of 12 months for which he has figures; how many pedestrians were involved; and how many were fatal;
(3) if he is aware of the risk to pedestrians, including large numbers of school children and elderly persons, as a result of the lack of adequate pedestrian crossing facilities along the length of the Addiscombe Road; and what proposals he has for greater pedestrian safety in this built-up residential area bisected by a major traffic road.
§ Mr. Tom FraserDuring the twelve months ended 31st March, 1965, thirty-six accidents were reported, in which eight pedestrians were injured. None was killed, and all but one received only slight injuries. After considering the council's proposals for crossing signals I came to the conclusion, and the police agreed, that they would not improve safety and might lessen it.
Since 1st April last, it is for the Greater London Council to propose new pedestrian facilities if they think them necessary. No doubt they will keep Addiscombe Road in mind, especially if experiments with new forms of crossing suggest practicable ways of improving safety there. But I am not aware of any significant change since February, 1965, when the Croydon Council were informed of my views, which would justify my approving proposals for present types of pedestrian crossing facilities.