45. Lieut. - Colonel MacANDREWasked the Minister of Transport how many feet his Department calculate a motor vehicle (average as regards weight, brakes, and tyres) moving at 20 miles per hour requires to be brought to rest on a slippery (but not frosty) road?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe problem which my hon. and gallant Friend sets me does not, in view of the varying conditions, permit of a definite answer. It should, however, be generally realised that, in the circumstances which he describes, the stopping distance of a motor vehicle may be 75 feet, even with good, although not perfect, brakes.
Lieut.-Colonel MacANDREWDoes that not show how misleading it is for pedestrians to imagine that they can walk out safely in front of an approaching vehicle?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThat would apply in any event more strongly if there were no pedestrian crossings. The motorist must allow for the speed at which he is travelling.