HC Deb 18 June 1896 vol 41 cc1316-7
MR. J. W. CROMBIE (Kincardineshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his attention has been called to the frequency of accident and danger arising from the practice of driving covered vans in the streets where the driver occupies a position in the van which prevents him seeing the traffic on either side of him; and whether he can take any steps to prevent this practice?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

I regret to say that the number of accidents caused by covered vehicles is on the increase. Except, however, in the case of cabs and omnibuses, the powers of the police extend only to the manner in which vehicles are driven, and not to regulating the position of the driver in the vehicle. Special warnings are issued from time to time and distributed widely, but more than this, I am afraid the police cannot do.

GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)

Arising out of that answer I would ask the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the large cities of the United States regulations prohibiting this practice are in force, and whether these regulations conduce to a diminution of accidents?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

I shall be very glad of any information from the hon. Member on the subject.