§ 71. Mr. Dayasked the Minister of Transport the number of street accidents that have taken place during the six months ended at the last convenient date at pedestrian crossings, involving personal or fatal injuries to pedestrians, within the area of the City of London and Metropolitan police areas?
§ Mr. BurginDuring the six months ended 30th June, 1938, there were 941 street accidents to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings within the City of London and Metropolitan Police districts. Of the 999 persons involved, 25 were killed, 107 were seriously injured, and 867 received slight injuries.
§ Mr. DayIn view of these large figures will the Minister suggest to his colleague, the Home Secretary, that special attention should be given to these crossings?
§ Mr. BurginI think that attention is being given to these crossings, and, on the whole, these figures show rather a welcome improvement.
§ 74. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the number of pedestrians and cyclists killed or injured is increasing, he is taking measures to deal with the matter; and whether he will give consideration to the better illumination of rear-number plates and the enlargement of the lettering?
§ Mr. BurginThere has been a decrease in the number of pedestrians and cyclists killed and the number of pedestrians injured during the first six months of this year as compared with the same six months last year. The number of cyclists injured shows a small increase. I will not spare any effort to secure greater road safety. As regards the last part of the question, recent regulations have set a higher standard for the visibility of rear number plates which applies at once to new vehicles and by October, 1941, will apply to all vehicles.
§ Mr. ManderCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in connection with this matter, it is proposed to take any action on the recent report of the Advisory Committee on the subject of accidents to cyclists?
§ Mr. BurginIt is proposed to wait until the committee in another place has made its report.
§ Mr. LevyIs it not true to say that one of the chief causes of accidents on the roads can be summed up in one word, namely, "impatience"?
Miss RathboneAre there not a large number of main roads which afford ample room for cycle tracks, and would not the provision of cycle tracks be an effective way of preventing cycle accidents?
§ Mr. BurginThe design for any modern road in which my Ministry has a hand would certainly include cycle tracks wherever there was adequate width.