§ 3. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the recent fine imposed upon a motorist using a flashing turning indicator signal; how far his Department has considered the value of this type of indicator; and when he expects to reach a conclusion.
§ 13. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a recent case in which a motorist was fined for using a traffic indicator comprising a flashing side lamp; and whether, in view of the fact that such traffic indicators have many advantages over the mechanical type, which frequently jam unknown to the driver, he will consider amending the existing regulations so as to permit the use of the more modern type.
Mr. BraithwaiteI have seen reports of this case, but I cannot accept the implications of the last part of Question No. 13. On present evidence I see no sufficient grounds for the suggestion that direction indicators of the flashing light type are to be preferred to the semaphore type.
§ Mr. ShepherdWill my hon. Friend say whether his Ministry have given consideration to this question from a scientific point of view, and whether they have reached the definite conclusion that the authorising of this form of indication would not be in the public interest?
Mr. BraithwaiteVery thorough investigation has been made, and there are a large number of technical objections with which I shall not detain the 1823 House. But if my hon. Friend cares to see me afterwards I can tell him what are those objections.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltHas my hon. Friend seen a newspaper report today to the effect that a certain police force is using flashing light signals, and are these illegal also?