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Traffic Lights, London Area

Volume 388: debated on Friday 2 April 1943

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asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his Department, in consultation with the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, will review the existing traffic lighting in the London area, taking into account the reduction of traffic from seven in the evening, the delay caused to such traffic as does ply and the waste of electric current and time; and whether it could be arranged that all traffic lights be extinguished between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. except at such places where policemen would have to be posted on point duty?

In co-operation with the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, my Ministry has, in the last eight months, made two general reviews of all traffic lights in the London area, and it continues to give the matter constant and close attention. Only 30 per cent. of the lights are now in continuous operation, and about 50 per cent. are put out at night. I hope my hon. Friend will agree that further economies might be detrimental to the public safety.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is satisfied that it is necessary to retain the present number of traffic lights on the Great West Road?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, there is still a considerable volume of traffic on the Great West Road, and no speed limit is imposed. As at present advised, therefore, I think the retention of the present traffic lights will promote the public safety, but I will make further inquiries and will then communicate with my hon. Friend.