Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his Department's Report, The Operation of Traffic Signals during Low Demand Periods, published in October 2012, what trials to turn off traffic lights during such periods proposed by local authorities have taken place; what the findings were of those trials; and whether his Department has issued any further guidance on this matter.

The operation of traffic lights is a matter for local authorities. Part-time operation is already possible, but an authority would need to carefully consider the possible impacts, particularly on road safety.

The Department has not carried out any trials of turning off traffic lights during low demand periods, and to date it has not been approached by any local authorities wishing to carry out such a trial.

The Department has not issued any further guidance on this matter.