House of Lords written question – answered at on 18 July 2002.
Lord Faulkner of Worcester
Labour
asked the Chairman of Committees:
Whether he will make representations to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner with a view to ensuring that at times of Divisions in the House of Lords police officers on duty in the Old Palace Yard area provide the same assistance to Members of the House crossing the road to vote, as is afforded to Members of the House of Commons by police officers in the New Palace Yard area when Divisions are held in that House.
Lord Tordoff
Chairman of Committees, House of Lords
The primary duty of the police officers on duty in Old Palace Yard and at Carriage Gates in New Palace Yard is to ensure that entrances to the Palace are kept secure. In addition, officers on duty at Carriage Gates are instructed to assist Members of the House of Commons to cross Bridge Street when Divisions are held in that House. This is because the lights at the junction of Bridge Street and Parliament Street are traffic controlled, and pedestrians may have to wait for well over a minute to cross the road safely. The risk of accidents is correspondingly heightened. In contrast, the Abingdon Street crossing in Old Palace Yard is pedestrian controlled, and waiting times are no more than 15 to 30 seconds. When the existing dog-leg is replaced in the autumn, the crossing will be significantly safer and less time-consuming. I will also undertake to discuss with the police what further assistance can be given to Members.
Yes1 person thinks so
No2 people think not
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