§ Lord Faulkner of Worcesterasked the Chairman of Committees:
Whether he will make representations to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner with a view to ensuring that at times of Divisions in the House of Lords police officers on duty in the Old Palace Yard area provide the same assistance to Members of the House crossing the road to vote, as is afforded to Members of the House of Commons by police officers in the New Palace Yard area when Divisions are held in that House. [HL5353]
§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Tordoff)The primary duty of the police officers on duty in Old Palace Yard and at Carriage Gates in New Palace Yard is to ensure that entrances to the Palace are kept secure. In addition, officers on duty at Carriage Gates are instructed to assist Members of the House of Commons to cross Bridge Street when Divisions are held in that House. This is because the lights at the junction of Bridge Street and Parliament Street are traffic controlled, and pedestrians may have to wait for well over a minute to cross the road safely. The risk of accidents is correspondingly heightened. In contrast, the Abingdon Street crossing in Old Palace Yard is pedestrian controlled, and waiting times are no more than 15 to 30 seconds. When the existing dog-leg is replaced in the autumn, the crossing will be significantly safer and less time-consuming. I will also undertake to discuss with the police what further assistance can be given to Members.
168WA
§ Lord Faulkner of Worcesterasked the Chairman of Committees:
What the plans are for the forthcoming road improvement works for Old Palace Yard, and on the crossing arrangements in Abingdon Street. [HL5352]
§ The Chairman of CommitteesThe Old Palace Yard project (part of the World Squares for All project) is due to be completed by 14 October 2002. Phase 3, which will take place over the Summer Recess, involves the resurfacing of the carriageway. As part of the work, the pedestrian crossing opposite 7 Old Palace Yard will be simplified, a straight crossing replacing the present dog-leg. Work on the crossing will be carried out and paid for by Westminster City Council, following representations made by the Parliamentary Estates Directorate.