Computer-controlled Traffic Signals

Oral Answers to Questions — Roads – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 July 1965.

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Photo of Mr Alasdair Mackenzie Mr Alasdair Mackenzie , Ross and Cromarty 12:00, 28 July 1965

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made towards carrying out the large-scale experiment in traffic control by means of computer-controlled traffic signals.

Photo of Mr Thomas Fraser Mr Thomas Fraser , Hamilton

The planning stage of the experiment in West London has been substantially completed and tenders have been invited for the main items of equipment. In addition, proposals for conventional traffic measures necessary if the maximum benefit is to be obtained have been put to the Greater London Council as traffic authority. Preliminary planning work began recently on the complementary experiment in the centre of Glasgow.

Photo of Mr Alasdair Mackenzie Mr Alasdair Mackenzie , Ross and Cromarty

While welcoming the right hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask whether he is aware that computer control would keep the traffic moving smoothly? Will he, therefore, consider this as a matter of urgency?

Photo of Mr Thomas Fraser Mr Thomas Fraser , Hamilton

Yes, Sir. That is the object of the experiment that we are carrying out.

Photo of Mr David Webster Mr David Webster , Weston-Super-Mare

Without knowing whether the urban traffic in Ross and Cromarty is worthy of a computer, may I ask the Minister to tell me what advice he has received on this subject from the Minister of Technology?

Photo of Mr Thomas Fraser Mr Thomas Fraser , Hamilton

I am not sure that I see the relevance of the hon. Gentleman's question. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology and I are in the closest touch on this and other matters concerned with the advance of technology in transport in this country.