§ 46. Sir A. M. SAMUELasked the Minister of Transport whether information regarding motor accidents exists in his Department showing the ratio to the total in which owner-drivers have been involved, and/or are responsible as compared with accidents in which the drivers have not been owners of vehicles concerned; and, if such information does exist, is it possible to draw any deduction therefrom in the search for means to reduce motor traffic accidents?
§ 56. Mr. EDWARD WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the continued increase in road accidents, additional practical safety measures are contemplated; and what public works relating to the safety of the roads are in operation or contemplation?
Mr. STANLEYThe subject of road accidents is receiving my close, attention, and every scheme submitted to my Department by local authorities for new roads or road improvements is carefully scrutinised from the point of view of public safety. Information with regard to the progress of the more important road works is given periodically in the Annual Report on the Administration of the Road Fund.
Captain CROOKSHANKHas the Minister noticed the great increase in accidents since the abolition of the speed limit?
Mr. STANLEYI have noticed a great increase, unfortunately, in the accidents which have occurred in the third year after the speed limit was abolished.
§ 47. Colonel GOODMAN (for Mr. LOVAT-FRASER)asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the continued increase in the accidents involving omnibuses in the Metropolitan Police area since the time schedules have been shortened; and if he will institute inquiries with a view to seeing that the existing dangerous speeds are discontinued?
Mr. STANLEYWhile there has been some increase in the number of accidents involving omnibuses in the Metropolitan Police area, I have no evidence that the new time schedules are responsible. I am, however, considering whether some further analysis of the figures might with advantage be obtained.