§ 32. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to reducing accidents, he will advise local authorities to pass by-laws forbidding vehicles to pass stationary tramcars on the near side?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe by-laws suggested by my hon. Friend would add to the congestion of traffic, and I am not satisfied that they would be in the interests of public safety. Provisions in local Bills forbidding the drivers of other vehicles to pass stationary tramcars have been repeatedly refused by Parliament.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEIs it not a fact that a considerable number of accidents have occurred on account of motorcars passing on the near side of tramcars?
§ Captain BRASSIs my right hon. Friend aware that the great congestion that exists in other countries arises from the very suggestion which is made in this question?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am glad to have the support of my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this applies in Glasgow and that it does not interfere with the traffic there?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI do not think the hon. Member is correct.
§ 33. Mr. NAYLORasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the increase of fatal traffic accidents in London during the three months ended September last; and whether he can take more general and effective steps to mitigate this menace of the streets?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have noted the increase in the number of fatal traffic accidents in London during the three months ended September last with concern. The recommendations of the London Traffic Advisory Committee and of the Conference on Street Accidents which was convened in March, 1927, have been published and have been circulated to all local authorities in the metropolitan area. I am prepared to give favourable consideration to requests for assistance from local authorities who are willing to undertake works which will add to the safety of the public, whether such works take the form of street improvements or the erection of suitable warning signs and traffic directions. The London Traffic Advisory Committee are continuing their investigations into the causes and the best means of prevention of street accidents, and I expect shortly to receive a further report from them on the subject.
§ Mr. NAYLORBy assistance, does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean financial assistance?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, certainly.
§ M. HARRISIs the Minister of Transport aware that one of the great troubles in London is that the London Traffic Advisory Committee can only give advice—they cannot take action—and that the responsibility for action is divided among a large number of authorities? Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the question of giving this responsibility to some one authority?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe London Traffic Advisory Committee advises me, and I am responsible for taking decisions, at any rate, as far as financial assistance is concerned.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman suggest that he has power over the police?