HC Deb 06 July 1955 vol 543 cc1108-9
10. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many road accidents during the past twelve months have been attributed to flashing indicators; and how many have been fatal.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

This information is not available.

Mr. Crouch

As statistics are kept about road accidents, and in view of the growing public opinion against these lights, which are sometimes called "blushing ears," cannot my right hon. Friend have a very careful check made to learn what is the number of accidents caused through the use of these lights?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

There are no separate statistics kept about them by the police, but, as I think my hon. Friend knows, the Road Research Laboratory is looking into the question of the use of these indicators, and I am awaiting its report.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Birmingham City Police have discarded flashing indicators and prefer the side arm as better for road safety? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think, in view of the appalling number of road accidents, that that course should be generally approved?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The hon. Member may well be right, but when a thorough investigation by a highly expert body is being made, I think the right thing is to suspend judgment until one knows the result of that investigation.

Mr. P. Williams

Would it not be a good thing to advise motorists to open their windows and use their arms?