HC Deb 18 February 1937 vol 320 cc1351-3
43. Sir W. Brass

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any proposals to make for more effective use of police patrols in encouraging the observance of the Highway Code by all classes of road users?

Sir J. Simon

The answer is a very long one, Mr. Speaker, but the matter is of importance.

Yes, Sir. I have had this matter under examination for some time, in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Transport, and have formed the opinion that good results would be achieved by augmenting the personnel available, not so much with a view to more frequent penal action, but primarily for the purpose of inculcating a higher standard of road sense and behaviour on the part of all classes of road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. With the concurrence of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, it is proposed to arrange for an experiment, involving a substantial increase in the number of patrols, to be carried out for a limited period in a few selected areas, including the Metropolitan Police District. For this purpose it will, of course, be necessary to secure the co-operation of any police authorities and chief officers of police who may be concerned, but I have no doubt that this will be forthcoming. The process of recruitment and the necessity for special training will make it impossible to put the full additional force on the roads before the autumn. It is contemplated that when the experiment is in full operation, it will allow for an increase of about 800 men. It is proposed, without prejudice to any permanent arrangement, that the cost of this experimental increase should be borne by the Exchequer, and the necessary Estimates will be presented to the House in due course.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and myself are anxious that it should be appreciated that, whilst there is, of course, no intention of relaxing the enforcement of the law, the experiment is designed primarily to assist and educate the road user, and not to increase the number of prosecutions. The effect upon accidents will be closely watched. In order that effective touch may be maintained with the progress of the experiment and the work of the patrols generally, arrangements are being made for the appointment of a joint consultative committee which will consist of representatives of the Departments concerned and a number of chief officers of police.

Sir W. Brass

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his very clear answer, may I ask whether he will consider impressing upon the police the importance of warnings in cases where there is a real element of danger, as against merely technical prosecutions or warnings?

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these police patrols appreciate that pedestrians still have the right to use the roads of this country?

Sir J. Simon

I think it may be safely assumed that they will remember that.

Mr. Cassels

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the question of introducing legislation to place the onus of non-fault upon the shoulders of motorists?

Mr. Muff

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent the Minister of Transport from de-restricting roads in defiance of, and against the wishes of, local watch committees?

Mr. Leach

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the education of pedestrians in road sense will include lessons in skipping?

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