Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Baron and Norman Baker

Thursday 27th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Norman Baker)]

The Department is looking at various options for traffic signalling during quieter periods of the day and the flashing amber signal is just one of the techniques being considered among many others. However, in the interests of safety, it is important to ensure that any signalling technique provides a consistent and unambiguous message to all road users.

[Mr Baron]

May I point out to the Minister that other countries operate such a system, but in a written response to me the Government stated, somewhat condescendingly:

“The British motorist would find this system confusing.”

Will the Minister consider a pilot scheme for such a system, perhaps in my constituency, which would speed journeys and reduce emissions?

[Norman Baker]

As I mentioned, we are having a review of signs generally and that suggestion is being considered as part of that process. The difficulty is that the flashing amber signal already has a specific legal meaning in this country, where it is used to indicate legal precedence for pedestrians at pelican crossings. That means that we could not authorise a trial or the use of the flashing amber signal for any other application without first changing the meaning of the signal in regulations. A dual meaning might not be a very good idea.