HC Deb 21 June 1920 vol 130 c1717
19. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Transport whether there is any limitation to the size of the motor chars-a-bancs which are permitted to make use of the narrow country lanes in Great Britain; and whether, in view of the great inconvenience and danger caused by this form of traffic, he can see his way to give an undertaking that motor vehicles above a certain size should be strictly limited to the main roads of the country?

Mr. NEAL

The size and weight of chars-a-bancs, as of other heavy motor vehicles, are regulated by the Heavy Motor Car Order, 1904. Highway authorities are empowered under Section 8 of the Motor Car Act, 1903, to make application to the Minister of Transport for an Order prohibiting the use of such vehicles on roads which do not exceed 16 feet in width, or on which ordinary motor-car traffic would, in his opinion, be especially dangerous.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

In the absence of any movement by any particular council, has the ordinary user of the road no redress against these gasolene juggernauts?

Mr. NEAL

I must not be taken to assent to that description of them. The ordinary user of the road has redress in case of negligence on the part of owners or drivers.

Mr. LAMBERT

Has the Ministry of Transport, of its own volition, power to restrict the use of these chars-a-bancs in country lanes?

Mr. NEAL

No, Sir; only on the application of the county council or local council concerned.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these "gasolene juggernauts" are the ordinary method by which common people take their holidays?