§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what research he has commissioned into the use of traffic lights to reduce pedestrian casualties; [124796]
(2) what guidance he gives to local authorities on the use of traffic lights in preventing pedestrian casualties. [124802]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe current advice to local highway authorities on the design of pedestrian facilities at traffic light signals is contained in TA 15/81, "Pedestrian Facilities at Traffic Signal Installations". We are drafting a new version to give further information to practitioners following research which concentrated on the design of traffic signals.
1025WOther research has been concentrated on the detailed operation and design of pedestrian crossings on higher speed roads. There is current research into this specific subject and into Puffin crossings. One element of this latter research will look at accident figures before and after installation of the crossings.
Additionally we have recently commissioned a 2 year project entitled "The effects of traffic signals strategies on the safety of vulnerable road users". This will explore the linkages between the ways in which the various signal control strategies are operated, the behaviour of pedestrians and cyclists using these facilities, and the effect on casualty rates for pedestrians and cyclists. It is our intention that the findings of this project will form good practice guidance for local highway authorities.
Other Departmental guidance on the use of traffic signals at pedestrian crossings is contained in Local Transport: Notes 1/95 (the Assessment of Pedestrian Crossings) and 2/95 (The Design of Pedestrian Crossings) and as part of the Traffic Advisory Leaflet series of publications.