§ 60. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether he will, with a view to minimising the number of fatal and other accidents caused to persons using and alighting from tramcars, consult with the various highway authorities for the purpose of introducing legislation or making regulations prohibiting either mechanically-propelled or horse-drawn vehicles from passing on the near side of tramcars from which passengers are alighting?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe number of fatal accidents to persons boarding or alighting from stationary tramcars fell from 28 in 1933 to 14 in 1935. Where the practice referred to is a cause of danger, the existing law provides severe penalties already. I would further direct the hon. Gentleman's attention to paragraph 27 of the Highway Code.
§ Mr. DAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that if this improvement would prevent 14 fatal accidents, it is worth introducing some regulations?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, if that were the case, but the hon. Gentleman will realise that the practicability of doing so is involved. In many cases tramcars have both their lines on one side of the road, and therefore to adopt this suggestion would be, on the Embankment, for instance, to immobilise all other traffic altogether.