HC Deb 27 May 1924 vol 174 cc198-9
64. Viscount CURZON

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can issue a statement showing what roads have been closed to motor vehicle traffic; to what class of traffic the Order applies in each case; whether he can state for how long such Orders are to apply; and whether it is the policy of his Department that roads shall be closed to motor traffic indefinitely, or whether any conditions are laid down when the Order is made to the effect that the road is to be rendered reasonably fit to take motor vehicle traffic within a reasonable time?

Mr. GOSLING

As the answer is a long one, I will, with the Noble Lord's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Viscount CURZON

Will the hon. Member answer the last part of the question?

Mr. GOSLING

I think the Noble Lord had better see the answer when it is published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information:

I assume the Noble Lord refers to Orders made by the Minister of Transport under Section 7 (4) of the Roads Act, 1920, and not to earlier Orders under Section 8 of the Motor Car Act, 1903, made prior to the constitution of my Department.

Orders under Section 7 (4) of the Roads Act, 1920, have been made as follows:—

  1. (a) Prohibition of all mechanically-propelled vehicles-4 roads.
  2. (b) Prohibition of all locomotives, heavy motor cars, and motor vehicles with more than 14 seats (exclusive of the driver)—106 roads.
    3. 199
  3. (c) Prohibition of all locomotives, heavy motor cars over 3 tons in weight unladen, and motor vehicles with more than 20 seats (exclusive of the driver)—55 roads.
  4. (d) Restriction of heavy motor vehicles to one-way traffic—one road.
With one single exception, all Orders are limited in their operation to 5 years or less, though they can, of course, be renewed on expiration. The normal period fixed in the Order is five years. In certain cases a shorter period is fixed, and the Order is made on the understanding that the road will be improved during the period of operation of the Order. I do not think the cost and labour involved in the issue of a detailed return of these Orders would be justified, as any such return would

— Fatal Accidents. Non-fatal Accidents.
Omnibuses, Tramcars, etc. Other Vehicles. Omnibuses, Tramcars, etc. Other Vehicles.
London (Metropolitan Police District and City of London). 131 553 5,341 25,868
Bristol 4 14 61 423

As far as London is concerned, as the hon. Member is aware, a Bill is now before the House which will confer greater powers on the authorities for the regulation of traffic.

Mr. BECKER

Are more accidents caused by trams than omnibuses or vice versa?

Mr. GOSLING

I cannot say.