HC Deb 06 March 1929 vol 226 cc374-5
36. Sir FRANK MEYER

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that Regulation 6 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations of 19th April, 1928, is framed in such a way as to deprive the chief officer of police of an area of any real powers to dispense with the lighting of vehicles standing at parking places; and whether he is prepared to issue revised Regulations?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

I cannot agree with the conclusion drawn by the hon. Member in the first part of the question. The only limitations upon the powers of the chief officer of police are: (1) That the parking place must not be on a part of the highway which is ordinarily used for the passing and repassing of vehicles, and (2) That the parking place must be adequately lit. These two conditions are, in my opinion, essential in the interests of public safety.

Sir F. MEYER

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman whether he does not think the words "ordinarily used for the passing and repassing of vehicles" restrict the police from allowing unlighted vehicles at any parking place, because it is obvious that vehicles have to pass to get there? Does not the inclusion of these words make the whole intention of the Act nugatory?

Colonel ASHLEY

I think the wording of the Regulations was not meant to have that effect. I am as anxious as anybody that the provisions of the Act of last year shall be carried out in their entirety. Possibly the best thing would be for me to confer with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on the whole matter.

Sir F. MEYER

When conferring with the Home Secretary, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider whether it is possible to allow one lamp only to be used for parking purposes instead of three as at present, that is, the rear light and two lights in front?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider whether in cases where a row of vehicles are standing the lighting of the foremost and rearmost is not enough? Even in a cul-de-sac, beside a picture house, people are made to turn on all their lights, and these are exhausted by the time the people come out of the picture house?

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Has not my right hon. and gallant Friend power to make regulations—

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot have a debate on this subject.