HC Deb 05 March 1951 vol 485 cc2-3
2. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Transport what are the results of his inquiries on the proposal to make the sounding of a motor-horn in built-up areas illegal; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Mr. Barnes

I do not see any reason to extend the existing restrictions on the use of motor-horns.

Sir T. Moore

Is the mind of the Minister permanently closed against this method, which has been tried out in Sweden and found successful in averting road accidents as well as making the life of the people much more tolerable?

Mr. Barnes

I assure the hon. Gentleman that my mind is not permanently closed on the subject of any traffic improvement. I am not convinced that this would be an improvement.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is the experience of every motorist—probably it has been his own experience—that he drives much more carefully when the horn happens to be out of action?

Mr. Barnes

There is some truth in that but, on the other hand, the warning given by the sounding of a horn often avoids an accident.

Mr. Nicholson

Not when a careful driver is driving. The Minister may have found that that is his experience.

Mr. Barnes

No. I consider that the Minister is a very careful driver.