§ 63. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the extent to which L.P.T.B. drivers pass traffic lights after they have changed to red; and whether he will ensure that the police' take steps to deal with this dangerous practice.
§ Mr. EdeThe Metropolitan police have standing instructions to deal with any case of disregarding a red traffic signal which is observed by them or brought to their notice by a private person, and all such cases are investigated with a view to proceedings. During 1946, 8,366 prosecutions were instituted for this offence against the drivers of vehicles, including buses, tramcars and trolley vehicles. Information is not, however, available as 1115 to what proportion of these cases involved London Passenger Transport Board drivers.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs it not a fact that the number of L.P.T.B. men so accused has been very small indeed, and will not the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the possibility of there being some connection between that and the fact that policemen ride without payment on buses while in uniform?
§ Mr. EdeThese drivers are in my experience exceedingly careful and courteous to other road users, and I do not think that they are responsible for any undue infractions of the law.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs my right hon. Friend aware that private motorists are, generally speaking, far greater offenders than the excellent bus drivers we have in London?