§ 36. Major GLYNasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there is any power invested in the Metropolitan police to prohibit vehicles, either steam or petrol, that move through the streets causing unnecessary noises that disturb people in their houses and alarm horse traffic?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)The police enforce the Regulation, which requires a motor car to be provided with an efficient silencer for exhaust gases and the Regulation which forbids the noisy running of the machinery of a stationary vehicle. With these exceptions the police have no power to deal with vehicles which case unnecessary noise.
§ Major GLYNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the need of transport a large number of steam vehicles are being used, which cause fright to horses in the streets, and that accidents thus occur?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have not had that brought to my notice.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs he aware that only yesterday a motor car with an open cut-out passed close by a policeman, who took no notice of it whatever? I was there myself and saw it.
§ Mr. SHORTTIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me know the circumstances, I will inquire.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINAt what particular stage of intensity does a noise become "unnecessary"?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat is a matter of individual taste.