§ 72. Captain STRICKLANDasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to prevent unauthorised persons using the sign authorised by the Minister of Transport, under Section 27 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, for the purpose of inducing motor vehicles to stop; and, having regard to the fears of motorists in general, and of women motorists in particular, will he give instructions that the sign to be displayed shall only be used by police constables in uniform?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIf I have evidence that there is any unauthorised use of these signs or any abuse arising from the system, I will discuss the matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. I have already issued directions under Section 48 of the Act limiting the use of the sign to properly authorised persons and prohibiting its use during the hours of darkness.
§ Captain STRICKLANDHow is a motorist to know that the person who uses the sign is an unauthorised individual until he has stopped his vehicle?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAParliament has placed certain obligations upon me which I have to discharge. I have informed some authorities that it is desirable that these signs should be temporarily fixed by the roadside instead of being exhibited by an authorised person, and, if necessary, I will issue general instructions to that effect. But I must carry out the obligations placed upon me by the Act.
§ Captain STRICKLANDIs the hon. Member aware that the late Minister of Transport made the statement when the Road Traffic Act was going through the House that it was not right that vehicles should be stopped on the road except by a police constable in uniform?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIf my hon. and gallant Friend will call my attention to the particular reference he has in mind, I shall be ready to honour any obligation undertaken by my predecessor.