HC Deb 15 June 1932 vol 267 cc383-4
19. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience and danger to persons desirous of boarding or leaving a tramcar in London and the Metropolitan area by the fact that there is no provision for guidance to other traffic; and whether he will issue regulations that at authorised stopping places of tramcars where any person desires to board or alight on-coming traffic must stop?

Mr. PYBUS

If the hon. Member has in mind a prohibition against the passing of other traffic on the near side when tramcars are stopped, I am not satisfied that any regulation such as is suggested would be advisable or that the law relating to dangerous driving is inadequate to deal with the point.

Mr. GROVES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the actual danger to people who wish to get on and off the tramcars?

Mr. PYBUS

This matter has been considered more than once by the Traffic Advisory Committee, and the result of their deliberations is as I have already said.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the system suggested in this question has been in operation in Glasgow for a number of years and has proved very successful in reducing the number of accidents.

Mr. PYBUS

I am well aware that it operates successfully in the provinces, but the advisory committee do not think it would operate so successfully in London.

Mr. GROVES

Can the hon. Gentleman get into touch with the Home Secretary, and ask him to issue instructions that where there is any violation of the rules of safety the police should take action against the drivers of the other vehicles?