HC Deb 23 November 1955 vol 546 c1436
12. Mr. R. Bell

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will, through the Highway Code and otherwise, actively encourage the use, especially on heavy vehicles, of plastic or fabric flaps hanging from the back of the rear mudguards to reduce windscreen splashing from wet roads.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Except for certain special categories motor vehicles are required by regulation to fit wings or other similar fittings to catch as far as practicable the mud or water thrown up by the wheels. Where mud flaps would result in any reduction of splashing I should welcome their use, but the Highway Code is not concerned with advice on vehicle design and I do not think that a reference in the Code to this matter would be appropriate.

Mr. Bell

My right hon. Friend will see from my Question that I said "through the Highway Code and otherwise." Would he consider whether there is any other way in which he could encourage the use of these extremely valuable flaps?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I hope that, among other things, my hon. Friend's Question and the Answer may help in that direction.