HC Deb 02 February 1948 vol 446 cc1460-1
29. Dr. Segal

asked the Minister of Transport why cats-eye road studs are in future to be banned from the roadways in built-up areas.

Mr. Barnes

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 26th January to the hon. Member for Royton (Mr. Sutcliffe).

Dr. Segal

Is my right hon. Friend aware that an appreciable number of road accidents are due to the inability of motorists to see the crown of the road owing to the very bad lighting that exists in some built-up areas, and will he use every possible means at his disposal to decrease the number of road accidents?

Mr. Barnes

The evidence is that the accidents are not caused by the absence of cats-eyes in the urban areas. I am a very great believer in them generally, bait where there is a proper standard of lighting they are not so necessary, and in the urban areas, where the traffic is very heavy in times of fog, the motorist can add to the number of accidents by being attracted to the crown of the road. I want my hon. Friend to accept the reply in the spirit I have indicated.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that with the possible cuts in fuel for lighting and the incidence of fog these cats-eyes ought not to be removed at the present time? Will he make representations to the county councils to try to avoid their removal?

Mr. Barnes

I am making it plain that they are only being removed in the urban areas where the lighting is of reasonable standards.

Mr. Somerville Hastings

Does my right hon. Friend agree that cats-eyes encourage motorists to put up their headlights, and that that increases the danger to other motorists and also to the general public?

Mr. Barnes

Particularly so in the urban areas, where headlights are not so necessary.

Mr. Bossom

Is not the Minister aware that in times of fog overhead street lights are not very effective and that these cats-eyes are very much more useful at that time and prevent accidents?

Mr. Barnes

The hon. Gentleman is proving my point, that they attract traffic to the crown of the road in heavy traffic areas.