§ 25. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the danger to pedestrians alighting from or entering tramcars at stopping places within the County of London, he will consider the introduction of legislation to compel motorists and other moving vehicles to stop when tramcars are stationary, so as to allow persons to enter or leave tramcars freely?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)I am not satisfied that such legislation, which has been repeatedly refused by Parliament, is necessary or desirable either in the interests of public safety or of traffic by road. In my opinion the existing law with regard to dangerous driving is adequate to deal with the matter, and as the hon. Member is aware I have put forward proposals in the Draft Road Traffic Bill providing for increased penalties in cases where the circumstances seem to call for them.
§ Colonel DAYDoes the draft Traffic Bill cover the point in my question, and will provision be made for it?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIt would enable me to make regulations to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. B. SMITHIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this system is followed in Canada and in the United States of America much to the disadvantage of the pedestrian and the road user?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is the reason why I gave the answer in the sense that I did give it.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that if he dealt with this question from the point of view of the pedestrian and not from the point of view of the motorist, he would take an entirely different point of view?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of argument.