asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to some funeral directors and the distress to mourners when the assembly point is sandwiched between two zebra crossings or near a "no-waiting" street; and whether, in placing traffic signs or crossings, he will give special consideration to the needs of funeral directors.
I have received representations from the National Association of Funeral Directors that in certain cases the no-stopping zone on the approach side of zebra crossings may cause distress and inconvenience. On the strongest grounds of road safety, however, I cannot agree to make any exemptions from this no-stopping rule. If a funeral director is able to arrange for the police to control a zebra crossing at the time of a funeral, the no-stopping provisions cease to apply while a police officer is in control. Orders and Regulations for "no-waiting" streets almost invariably allow stopping for loading or unloading and for picking up or setting down passengers. In placing traffic signs or crossings, for which, except on trunk roads, I am not directly responsible, I have no doubt that the authorities concerned take into account any special needs of funeral directors which may be brought to their attention.