§ Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Minister of Transport whether he will publish full details of the experiments on which he based his decision to reject flashing illuminated school crossing patrol signs in favour of continuously illuminated signs.
Mr. Bob BrownWe arranged demonstrations of prototype signs designed to illuminate the whole sign face by a flashing light. Intermittent illumination, particularly of these portable signs, would confuse drivers rather than enable them to identify the message on the sign, including the obligation to stop; a steady white light would be both safer and more reliable. That is why we are now encouraging trials by local authorities on that basis.