HC Deb 18 April 1944 vol 399 cc22-3
39. Admiral Sir William James

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the anticipated increase of motor traffic after the war and the fact that owing to evacuation and diminished traffic during the war, the children have lost their awareness of danger from fast-moving vehicles, he will consider imposing a speed limit of 20 m.p.h. at the termination of the war in heavily built-up areas and villages until such time as the children have become accustomed to traffic.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel Baker)

I will gladly consider the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend with the many other measures designed to reduce road accidents which are now under examination by the Road Safety Committee set up by my Noble Friend.

Sir W. James

Will the hon. Gentleman keep in mind the thousands of trade vans and private cars which may appear suddenly, with brakes and drivers in a much reduced state of efficiency?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am bearing all those points in mind. We are preparing an interim programme of measures to be adopted immediately the war ends.

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Will the hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that, while it is essential that we should prevent road accidents, it is also desirable that we should reduce the number of Regulations?

Sir W. Davison

Will the hon. Gentleman consider getting into touch with the President of the Board of Education with a view to having a three minutes' talk every day in the schools advising children of the danger of crossing the road?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Representatives of the Board of Education come to our Road Safety Committee and are helping very much with education in schools all over the country.

Forward to