§ 17. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the public concern at the effect of many motor-car lights on the roads at dusk; whether his attention has been directed to the results of an experimental night flight by the mayor of Sale, substantiated by engineers and the pilot, showing that many motor-car lights could be seen giving the appearance of a lit-up town; and as people have blacked-out as well as possible, and many are fined, and in view of the good work done by the wardens, will he take steps at once to prevent motor-cars showing so much light?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)Yes, Sir. I am aware that complaints have been made that side lights on many vehicles are unduly bright. After consultation with the Air Ministry, I am proposing to amend the regulations so as to require a more stringent dimming of vehicle side and rear lights. In order not to prevent the movement of traffic, masked headlamps will be permitted.
§ Mr. BellengerCan my right hon. Friend do anything about stationary vehicles, standing outside licensed premises, for example, particularly in rural areas? Although there is no need for their side lights to be on, they are left on, because it is not an offence. Cannot something be done to mitigate that nuisance in blacked-out areas?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt depends partly on whether the vehicle is on the highway or not. It might be dangerous to leave a vehicle without lights on the highway. But I will give the matter consideration.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsCan the Home Secretary say how many bombs have not been dropped because we have a blackout?