§ 21. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Minister of Transport whether his regulations permit a passenger to board a bus which is not full and is stationary at traffic lights.
§ Mr. BarnesThe operator of the vehicle may be debarred by the conditions attached to his road service licence from picking up passengers at the place 869 concerned. Subject to this, the regulations neither permit nor prohibit the action referred to in the Question.
§ Colonel HutchisonDoes that mean that the decision in a matter of this kind is left to the conductor of the vehicle, and is that not leaving it to rather a capricious judge?
§ Mr. BarnesAs I have indicated, the law is silent on this matter at the moment and it certainly will have my examination.
§ Mr. KeelingCan the Minister say why it is any more dangerous to get on to a bus at traffic lights than to get off it, which is allowed? Is he also aware that the conductor sometimes refuses to allow people on at lights on the plea that there may be a crowd at the stopping place, even when he is out of sight of the stopping place and when in fact there is nobody there?