HC Deb 29 January 1934 vol 285 cc37-8
58. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now state what steps he is taking to reduce the number of road accidents?

59. Mr. WHITE

asked the Minister of Transport if he is now in a position to state what steps he proposes to take to reduce the perils of the roads?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

The Government is deeply concerned at the grave position shown by the recently published returns of road accidents during 1933, and has decided to introduce legislation to deal with the subject at an early date. Apart from any legislation proposed, I have considered further steps which can be taken by Regulation, or by other administrative action.

I also desire to bring home to the public during the next few months the nature of the loss caused by road accidents, and the extent to which they can be prevented by the exercise of reasonable care and consideration for others on the part of all users of the highway. I shall in due course appeal to the Press, the British Broadcasting Corporation and the film industry for their co-operation and assistance. I have also made a contribution from the Road Fund towards the cost of a special campaign for the promotion of road safety, which the National Safety-First Association have projected for the spring and summer of the present year, and which in the main will be directed towards a development and extension of their local activities in the more important centres of population throughout the country. I look with confidence to the co-operation and assistance of local authorities and other public bodies, as well as the motoring organisations and associations of motor manufacturers, in this concerted effort to reduce the perils at present attending the use of the public roads.

Mr. WALLHEAD

Has the Minister any means of knowing how many accidents are caused through the practice of keeping to the left on the footpath?