§ 52. Sir G. FOXasked the Minister of Transport whether he intends to take steps to secure that the provision in the new highway code enjoining that riders should make use of grass and other margins wherever possible shall override local by-laws or provisions to the contrary effect, in order that riders may know which set of instructions to follow?
§ Captain A. HUDSONThe code directs riders to use grass and other verges where these are available. They cannot be said to be available if their use is prohibited by some local provision.
§ Sir G. FOXHow will the riders know whether the by-laws stop the use of the grass tracks?
§ Captain HUDSONRiders are usually local people who know the local by-laws. No alteration has been made by putting this into the highway code.
§ 53. Sir G. FOXasked the Minister of Transport whether, in connection with the provision in the new highway code that tramcars may be overtaken on either side, he can state which towns in Great Britain have in force local provisions to the effect that tramcars may only be overtaken on one particular side; and what steps will be taken to see that such local provisions are properly brought to the notice of through motor traffic?
§ Captain A. HUDSONThere are local by-laws in force in four towns, namely, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen, which prohibit the passing of tramcars on the near side at authorised stopping places when passengers are boarding or alighting. These provisions have been in force for some years, and my hon. Friend is not aware that difficulties have arisen in the case of through traffic.
§ Sir G. FOXIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is often friction between the passing motorist and the police because motorists do not know these regulations, and when they pass trams as they do in other towns they get into trouble?
§ Sir W. BRASSWould it not be so much better to have the same rule in every town in the whole country?
§ Captain HUDSONI do not think it has yet been decided whether the by-law in question is a success or not. In reply to the previous supplementary question, may I point out that the highway code does not alter the present position. I do not see what could be done short of putting another set of notices all round these towns, which is undesirable. The matter is much better left as it is at present.
§ Sir W. BRASSDoes not my hon. and gallant Friend think that the local authorities he has mentioned should come into line with the other local authorities?
§ Captain HUDSONI will ask my hon. Friend whether he will consider that suggestion.