HC Deb 09 November 1955 vol 545 cc1846-7
46. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is now able to make a statement resulting from the inquiries into the use of winking traffic indicators on motor vehicles.

71. Mr. G. R. Strauss

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will publish the Report of the Road Research Laboratory on vehicular flashing lights; and whether he can now say what action he proposes to take on the Report's conclusions.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The interim Report which I have received from the Road Research Laboratory indicates that further investigation is required into some aspects of the Question. The Laboratory expects to complete this investigation shortly and it will then submit a final Report. Meanwhile, as I indicated in my reply on 26th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mr. Arbuthnot), I am considering the Report I have already received.

Sir F. Medlicott

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these indicators are irritating, confusing, distracting and dangerous both to pedestrians and motorists, and will become progressively more so as they increase in number? Is he further aware that many motorists are already of the opinion—if I may be forgiven the phrase—that these indicators are in every sense a "blinking" nuisance.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think that, as always, there is a great deal in what my hon. Friend says, but this is not a simple matter, for the considerations which apply to one sort of indicator do not necessarily apply to all of them. I would far rather await the report of the experts before committing myself.