HC Deb 23 April 1951 vol 487 cc19-20
42. Captain Ryder

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the interests of road safety, he will issue regulations to discourage the tendency of lorries to operate in convoys.

Mr. Barnes

I do not think that regulations would be appropriate. In my view the Highway Code is the proper instrument for encouraging safe and considerate behaviour on the roads in matters of this kind. Advice is given in paragraph 57 of the Code that drivers of a series of large vehicles should space their vehicles so as to facilitate overtaking by faster traffic.

Captain Ryder

As British Road Services are now guilty of this practice, will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the Road Haulage Executive to the matter?

Mr. Barnes

I am not aware that British Road Services are guilty. I travel on the roads as much as anyone, and I would say, generally speaking, that drivers of heavy lorries are among the best and most considerate drivers on the road.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Although that may well be the case, does not the right hon. Gentleman know, from his own experience, that a great many of these long and heavy vehicles tend to bunch together on main roads, and does he not think that it would be useful to send a suggestion of this kind to the Road Haulage Executive?

Mr. Barnes

It is not always the deliberate purpose of heavy lorry drivers to bunch together. More often than not road conditions produce this bunching as does overtaking and cutting-in.

Captain Ryder

In view of the danger on the roads caused by this practice, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter and use his influence where he can?

Mr. Barnes

Certainly. No one has a greater interest than myself in ensuring that the Code is observed.