HC Deb 29 June 1955 vol 543 cc376-7
14. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what proportion of accidents he estimates occur on recognised black spots in road layout.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Accident statistics compiled from police records indicate that about 2 per cent. of all road accidents are attributable to road defects, but I regard black spots as places where the incidence of road accidents, from whatever cause, is abnormally high. I am afraid I have no statistics relating to these.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

But is it not already known that an unduly high proportion of these accidents are accidents which take place on zebra crossings, which make zebra crossings black spots?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I regard all accidents as unduly high, but I do not share the hon. and gallant Gentleman's determined opposition to the zebra crossing. I believe that it has been extremely useful.